Senate president Saraki pays Super Eagles surprise visit in Abuja, donates N18m
- Nigeria's number three man Senator Bukola Saraki paid the Super Eagles a visit at their hotel on Tuesday night
- He commended them for being good ambassadors to the country and also donated $50,000 to the team
- Mikel Obi in turn appreciated his gesture and vows his team will make Nigerians proud in Russia
Nigeria's Senate president Abubakar Bukola Saraki paid the Super Eagles a surprise visit at their hotel in Abuja as part of the send forth to the 21st FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.
The former Kwara state governor said he is impressed with the performances of the team in recent times, adding that they have been the most organized national team in history of Nigerian football.
He also described the captain of the team John Obi Mikel as a true leader and a role model, leading his teammates to getting their job done quietly on the pitch and accepting the rewards as and when such come without holding the nation to ransom.
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“I have been following the performances and general behaviour of this squad. I must confess that I am very impressed. We no longer have schisms and different camps in the same camp, and you sacrifice a lot for the country without demanding so much before you go to battle.
“From the captain, Mikel Obi to the newest member of the squad, I assure you of the love of the entire country and the well –wishes of every Nigerian as you go to the FIFA World Cup and in fact, in all your endeavours.”
Saraki also showered encomiums on the technical adviser Gernot Rohr for the way he has skillfully managed the team and instilled discipline and sense of dedication.
Meanwhile, Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick was full of praise for the nation’s number three man for his proven love for the three –time African champions during the FIFA World Cup qualifying race and even before.
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“The Nigeria Football Federation and this team are indebted to you for your huge support all the time. Your love and keen interest has contributed much to keep this team going and reaching for higher heights.
“I must note that we are lucky to have a manager like Rohr who himself is calm, focused and very dedicated to his job, as well as a captain like Mikel who is very humble and God-fearing. The sky will be the limit for this team.”
Reacting on behalf of the team, captain Mikel Obi appreciated the Senate President and assured him that the Eagles will make Nigerians proud at the World Cup.
Pinnick then announced to the team Dr. Saraki’s gift of $50,000 to the team ahead of Saturday’s friendly with England’s Three Lions at Wembley Stadium in London, and yet-to-be-revealed ‘special package’ for the entire team “for every unreplied goal” scored at the FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Legit.ng previously reported that the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Monday, May 28.
Bursaspor defender William Troost-Ekong got the only goal for Nigeria in the early minutes of the game while a penalty from an Ola Aina's defensive error ensured the visitors avoided defeat in that encounter.
Meanwhile, Gernot Rohr's men will kick off their campaign in Russia against Croatia on June 16, with their second and third games coming against Iceland and Argentina later the same month.
And they will face the Three Lions of England on June 2nd in their penultimate friendly encounter before the World Cup kicks off on June 14.
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Source: Legit.ng
