New president of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr Melvin Amaju Pinnick has served a hint that adequate attention to the welfare of players in the national team will be one of his priorities at the helm of soccer in the country, and charged the Super Eagles to ensure they win Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan.
Pinnick stated as much during a visit to the Eagles’ training session at Abuja National Stadium on Tuesday evening, and used the occasion to buttress his desire to instill better relations between players and officials.
He was accompanied to the training session by NFF Vice President, Mr Seyi Akinwunmi, Executive Committee member, Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu, who both promised to keep a close tab on the workings of the national team.
Also in the entourage were NFF director of technical, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme and Dr Mohammed Sanusi, who is the director of competitions at the football house.
While addressing the players after a hectic two hour training session, Pinnick further promised that he will bring much desired changes to Nigerian football and said he is in tune with events surrounding most of the players.
Pinnick also said all rumours regarding negative pronouncements allegedly made by him should be disregarded and stressed that he is starting on a clean slate to build on the immense achievements of his predecessors.
He further assured them that trust will be the hallmark of his administration, even as declared that this Saturday’s game against Sudan should be the take-off point for a successful tenure of his administration.
“The last NFF regime has been wonderful in terms of achievement and we want to continue from there. That is why I must say the Sudan game is a must win for us, because it’s the first competitive game under this dispensation.
“On our part we are determined to continue to support the team and soon you will see what we would do through Corporate Nigeria and the rest of the game’s supporters and sponsors,” Pinnick declared.
In response, Eagles skipper, Vincent Enyeama, speaking on behalf of the players and officials, assured that the team will not let the nation down in the course of qualifying for Maroc 2015 Nations Cup.
“Mr President, no shaking. But we must congratulate you on your election and assure Nigerians that with God all things are possible,” Enyeama stated.
