Winning Africa Nations Cup not negotiable, Jonathan tells NFA

Abuja – President Goodluck Jonathan has charged the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) to win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) according to Chief Patrick Ekeji, Director General, National Sports Commission (NSC).

In an interview  in Abuja on Friday Ekeji said, “I’d like to drop a message from Mr President. It is that the Super Eagles go to South Africa and win the Nations Cup.

“How they want to do it is not known, but they should just go and do it,’’ he said.

The DG urged the NFA and the Super Eagles technical team to see the assignment as a call to national duty.

“Pressure is part of life. Is it achievable? The answer is yes; so why shouldn’t we aim for the highest prize.

“I think they can bring home the trophy if they get their act together. They have to know that we want to get back the interest of Nigerians to particularly our football.

“The Eagles of our time used to have a lot of followership, I don’t know if I can say that much now.

“Nigerians appreciate when you put in your best and when it doesn’t work out, they appreciate that too, but of course, it will gladden our hearts if they win the cup,’’ Ekeji added.

The 2013 AFCON tournament is scheduled to take place in South Africa from Jan. 19 to Feb. 10. (NAN)