The Chairman of Prime Football Club of Osogbo Taiwo Ogunjobi has urged the Super Eagles to work hard to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Ogunjobi said this in Osogbo on Wednesday at a monthly stakeholders’ forum organised by the Osun State chapter of the Sport Writers Association of Nigeria.
The former national team player said having missed out on two consecutive African Cup of Nations, the Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, the players and the Nigeria Football Federation must ensure that Nigeria qualify for Russia 2018.
Ogunjobi urged the invited players to put the nation first and give their best to justify their inclusion in the team.
According to him, any player invited to the Eagles should be prepared to give his best to ensure that Nigerians are not disappointed at the end of the qualifying games.
He said, “All Nigerians want the Super Eagles to qualify for the World Cup. We cannot afford to miss this one because we did not qualify for two Africa Cup of Nations in a row.
“Things are not working well in the country at present and it is only football that makes us to forget our hardship even if it is for 90 minutes.
“This World Cup is a must. We just have to qualify for the tournament. We can’t afford to miss it. I pray that those at the helms of affairs have the same aim and focus to qualify.”
Ogunjobi, who said the quality of football in the Nigerian League during his days could not be compared to the present, said footballers then played because of their passion and commitment, which he said, was lacking now due to many reasons.
He said putting undue pressure on the mangers of the age-grade competitions was partly responsible for the failure of the Eagles.
To get it right, he said the nation must ensure that over aged players are not selected to represent the nation.
No comments:
Post a Comment