By John Egbokhan

The Association of Nigerian Ex-internationals in the Diaspora, ANED has urged the Super Eagles to approach the 2014 World Cup qualification campaign as if their very existence on life depends on it.

The group in statement issued by Obed Ariri, a former Green Eagles and Vasco Da Gama star and first Nigerian to play American football said that having won the last Africa Cup of Nations held in South Africa, that it was now necessary for the Eagles to justify their top ranking by picking a World Cup ticket to play in Brazil

While hailing the team for their victorious feat at AFCON 2013, Ariri wrote in a statement sent to Vanguard that the “hilarity and sense of relief that accompanies the return of the Super Eagles players to the path of progress underlines the essence of this letter. ANED (Association of the Nigerian ex-Super Green Eagles in Diaspora) are thrilled,excited and very proud of your accomplishments”.

“You were victorious because you had stamina,determination, backbone, perseverance, self-reliance and faith. You believed in yourselves. It is indeed an audacious attainment. All cheers and accolades for the Super Eagles of Nigeria”, added Ariri

The group added that it believed in the technical ability of  Coach Stephen Keshi to return the Super Eagles to greatness.

“Coach Stephen Keshi is effective at all levels and very confident in resolving and building a solid Super Eagles team. The motivation,enthusiasm,technical expertise and team building skill that he brings to the Super Eagles paid off in South Africa”.

To remain at the top, Ariri said that Keshi must continue working harder than the pack, adding that “in fact, the following members, Humphrey Edobor, Andrew Uwe, Emeka James, Mathew Onyemah, Ike Ofoje, Totty O. Totty, Femi Olukanni, Dehinde Akinltan and Charles Okoye, understand that the worst thing that can happen to any champion (such as the Super Eagles) from staying on top is lack of focus and confidence.

“If we relax,the bugs and weeds of negativity will move in to the garden and take away everything of value. ANED has concrete plans to help our able Coach Stephen Keshi keep the Nigerian flag flying. They need to keep pushing on for the World Cup ticket and we believe that they can make it”.