By Akeem Busari.
The draws for the Africa qualifying stages of the Russia 2018 World Cup held in Cairo, Egypt, that pitched Nigeria in what has been dubbed a group of death has also continue to draw reactions from concerned stakeholders and followers of the game in the country.
Responding to questions on the chances of the Super Eagles in coming up tops in the group that also have former winners of the African Cup of Nations, Algeria, Cameroon and Zambia, the Pillar Of Sports in Nigeria, Chief Donatus Agu Ejidike, was quick to express implicit confidence in the abilities of the Super Eagles to make it to Russia 2018.
"Beyond being patriotic, I want to state emphatically that l have a strong belief in the qualities and potentials of the Nigerian players, "Ejidike enthused.
" Many football followers might want to right off the team because it has failed to qualify for two Nations Cup consecutively, I think that if we rally in support of the team and express our confidence in them, they would surely do us proud, "the multiple award winning businessman cum sports philanthropist said.
He went on to advise the NFF against the decision to hire a foreign coach for the Super Eagles. He opined that the country is indeed, blessed with quality soccer coaches who can take football in Nigeria to greater heights if only they are encouraged and supported by the country's football administrators.
"I strongly believe that a local coach can qualify us for the World Cup in Russia, "he admonished.
" The NFF should do the needful by allowing a Nigerian coach to take this assignment. All they should do is have confidence in the coach and give him total support to succeed. And at the end of the day, l believe we shall qualify for the World Cup by the grace of God, "Ejidike, who is also the President of the Karate federation of Nigeria, added confidently.
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