Maigari assures on Eagles’ AFCON 2013 qualification

Alhaji Aminu Maigari

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president has expressed his confidence that the Super Eagles will surely qualify for next year’s African Cup of Nations finals to be hosted by South Africa.

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari agreed that though a win would have been better than the 2-2 draw garnered from Saturday’s Cup of Nations qualifier against Liberia in Monrovia, the return leg at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar on 13th October would settle all issues comfortably in Nigeria’s favour.

“The good thing is that the players and technical officials realize that was one match they should have won. I spoke with the Head Coach and the Captain and they both feel confident about the return leg.

“For the Nigeria Football Federation, our duty is to provide every support for the team to ensure it qualifies for the African Cup of Nations, and we will do that.

“I wish to use this opportunity to express heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR) for his very keen interest in the Super Eagles and other National Teams. The President was physically present at the team’s training session before the trip to Monrovia and expressed interest in being in South Africa for the Cup of Nations next year. The least the Eagles can do is work assiduously towards qualifying in order that our President can be at the finals,” said Maigari.

Nigerian fans had expected the Eagles to announce the country’s return to African football’s top tourney with a win in Monrovia, but an equalizer conceded 24 minutes to the end meant the fixture with Liberia is still delicately poised ahead of the return leg in Calabar in four-and-half weeks.

Also speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, NFF General Secretary Barrister Musa Amadu assured that the Eagles will sail to South Africa.

“I am confident the Super Eagles will be one of the 16 teams in the pot for the Draw Ceremony on 26th October. I have no doubt about that. When we meet Liberia in Calabar for the second leg, it will be a different ball game.”