How Akpabio’s pledge spurred Eagles to victory NFF President, Amaju Pinnick appreciated every Nigerian who contributed in any way to the Super Eagles’ victory over Congo in Pointe Noire on Saturday. But sports –loving Governor Godswill Akpabio’s pledge of a ‘handsome reward’ did much to motivate the players before kick –off. Akwa Ibom State’s number one man had called the NFF President to say he would reward the players and official for victory in the very crucial game, in which Nigeria needed a two –goal margin of victory to be in good stead for qualification going into the final round of matches. The message was promptly relayed to the team in full and they left their Atlantic Hotel Palace highly inspired despite the scorching sun. Ikechukwu Uche stroked home a penalty kick after strike partner Emmanuel Emenike was tripped in the box, and China –based Aaron Samuel delivered an intelligent chip from Mikel Obi’s solo run to give the Eagles just what they needed. Governor Akpabio is chief host of Wednesday’s final qualifying match, in which the Super Eagles go up against the Bafana at the brand –new Akwa Ibom International Stadium. The match will start at 5pm Nigeria time. CAF picks Madagascar referees . As Bafana fly in on Monday The Confederation of African Football has picked Rajindraparsad Seechurn as Referee for Wednesday’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria and South Africa in Uyo. Seechurn will be assisted by countrymen, Balkrishna Bootun as Assistant Referee 1, Vivian Vally as Assistant Referee 2 and Parmendra Nunkoo as Reserve Referee. To underscore the importance of the match, CAF has appointed Cameroonian Abel Mbengue as Security Officer, to assist the Match Commissioner, Laryea Louis from Ghana. Meanwhile, the delegation of the Bafana Bafana to Wednesday’s match will arrive in Uyo on Monday evening. Although the South Africa Football Association does not have the permit to land their chartered aircraft at the Ibom International Airport, the Nigeria Football Federation is working round the clock to ensure permit is granted for their plane before it departs Johannesburg at 1pm on Monday. The delegation will be composed of 26 players and 15 officials. Ademola Olajire Assistant Director (Communications) Nigeria Football Federation
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 12:47:41 +0000
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