President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan last night congratulated the Super Eagles on their 2-0 victory over Ethiopia in Calabar, which has earned Nigeria a slot at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil but went further to tip the team for glory in the Samba land.

“President Jonathan joins other proud and happy Nigerians in applauding the Super Eagles’ dogged and determined performance against the Ethiopians over the two legs of the final qualifying round which ensured away and home victories, and also ensured that Nigeria will be at the World Cup Finals for the fifth time,” said Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Dr. Reuben Abati.

He added: “The President also commends the team’s performance in all the preceding qualifying matches and the consistent commitment and dedication of the players to building on their victory at this year’s African Nations Cup by qualifying for the World Cup Finals and bringing further glory to their fatherland.

“As the team and its handlers bask in the glory of being the first African country to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, President Jonathan urges them to rededicate themselves to excelling on the global stage and reaching for heights never previously attained by the country at the World Cup Finals.

“The President believes that with the enormous pool of footballing talent available to the country, the Super Eagles can, with more hard work, dedication, resilience and further honing of their skills and tactics, fulfil the national dream of being the first African Nation to win the world cup.

“He assures the NFF and the team, of the fullest possible support of the Federal Government and all Nigerians in their quest to win even greater glory for Nigeria at the world cup finals in Brazil.”

The representative of Kwara Central Senatorial District, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has also saluted the Super Eagles for their qualification for the 2014 World Cup finals.

Saraki, in a statement by his Media Office shortly after the Super Eagles defeated the Waylas Antelope of Ethiopia said the team has done Nigeria and Nigerians proud.

His words: “It would have been unthinkable for Nigeria not to have made it to the World Cup finals.

“Not with the impressive runs of the country’s national teams so far this year.

“The Super Eagles started the good run with a resounding win at the African Cup of Nations, while the Golden Eaglets followed suit by lifting the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.”

Saraki urged the Nigeria Football Federation to ensure that the team is put in the right condition for the World Cup so that it could surpass its round of 16 appearances, which was the best it achieved in past World Cup finals.

He added: “And this should start with the prompt payment of the salary of the Head Coach of the team, Stephen Keshi.

“So also should the row over bonus be fully resolved before the World Cup starts.

“I can only wish the team the best as it is almost certain that Nigeria’s football is back on the right pedestal.”

•Photo shows the Super Eagles.

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