WORLD CUP WATCH: Bukola Saraki hails 2018 Super Eagles as role models

Piotr Zielinski (R) of Poland in action against Wilfred Ndidi (L) of Nigeria during the international friendly soccer match between Poland and Nigeria in Wroclaw, Poland, 23 March 2018. EPA/Maciej Kulczynski POLAND OUT

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Wednesday May 30, 2018. 12:29

Nigeria’s President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has hailed the Super Eagles team which will represent the country at the 2018 World Cup as role models, and wished them well for their adventure in Russia.

At an event held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja on Tuesday, prominent politician and financier Saraki said the Nigerian team will do the nation proud at the global event which gets underway next month.

“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,” said Saraki.

“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 praised manager Gernot Rohr for his role in instilling discipline and belief in the Super Eagles.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, thanked Saraki for his support.

“Your love and keen interest has contributed much to keep this team going and reaching for higher heights,” stated Pinnick.

“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.”