By Jacob Ajom
After watching the last warm up match between the Nigeria and Korea in which the Nigerians ran away with a 3-1 victory, President-General of the Nigeria Football and other sports supporters club, Rafiu Ladipo has declared that the national team , the Green Eagles will triumph in South Africa.

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Speaking with Sports Vanguard in Lagos, Monday Ladipo who will be departing for South Africa Wednesday said, “I have always advised Nigerians to be patient with the team. We are building a new team that every Nigerian will be proud of; and that is what we have been witnessing as the team improves with every match.”

He said Nigerians should continue to support the players and the technical crew as that would motivate them to achieving results. Asked if he saw the Eagles as a team of the future without much to hope for in South Africa, Ladipo burst with enthusiasm, “my friend,” he said smiling, “the Eagles will fly high in South Africa. Every country coming to South Africa is a potential winner. Don’t rule the Eagles out.”

Ladipo was however, full of sympathy for Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel who was withdrawn from the squad Friday because of a nagging knee injury. Said he, “Mikel’s case is unfortunate,” adding. “definitely, we are going to miss him.”

Reacting to the stampede that nearly marred Eagles’ victory over North Korea Sunday, the supporters club boss fumed, “the stampede was unnecessary . There should be better crowd control methods. On the other hand, it shows that the Eagles will not lack support in South Africa. It is a team with massive support in that country and I will be proud to be there to lead them.”