Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye have lauded the Super Eagles for beating the Walyas of Ethiopia 2-1 on their home ground and thanked for honouring President Goodluck Jonathan who paid the team a visit in Addis Ababa with this victory.

The DG of the NSC observed that President Jonathan’s unwavering support to the team did the magic in Ethiopia and he charged the team to finish up the job in Calabar, Cross River in November 16, 2013.

A Nigerian fan celebrates on October 13, 2013 her team’s victory over Ethiopia after a 2014 World Cup qualifying match in Addis Ababa. AFP PHOTO

”I am highly elated for the Eagles’ victory over Ethiopia in today’s (Sunday) match. The team and their coaches have justified the support given to them by Mr. President (Goodluck Jonathan).

”The President’s visit to the team in Addis Ababa also spurred them to victory. Mr. President despite his tight schedule ensured he visited the team and had ome on ome with the players and players eventually did not disappoint him”, Elegbeleye disclosed.
”The team should go all out and win the second leg in Calabar without conceding a goal to justify their current rating as African Champion and go to Brazil on that platform.” Elegbeleye charged.

I saw it coming – Kalu

Former Abia state governor Dr.Orji Uzor Kalu was a bundle of confidence as Nigeria fought from behind to nail Ethiopia in Addis Sunday.

“I was so sure the Ethiopians would fall.My pre-match prediction was that the Eagles were unstoppable.You saw how they electrocuted their opponenents,”Kalu said in his Lagos home at the end of the clash.

The ex-governor had even calmed nerves when the going got tough emphasising that Nigeria could pick a late goal.

“I saw a late goal coming.When most of my guests were panting,you noticed i was enjoying myself.I sensed the Eagles would grab the winner in the last minute.And that came to pass”, he added.

Kalu had told compatriots that Ethiopia would concede two goals ,like their clubside Electric Company did to Enugu Rangers in the 1977 Mandela Cup.

“Your Excellency,you will make a good soccer Professor”, one of his guests joked.”No”,Kalu replied,”i am just a follower of the game”.