Nigeria soccer buffs have hailed the gesture by Africa Cup of Nations star, Emmanuel Emenike’s offer to award his colleagues 50,000 dollars if Nigeria qualifies for the World Cup in Brazil.

Christian Chukwu, a former Super Eagles coach,said that the offer by Emenike showed how important the player regarded the qualification of the team for the World Cup.

“It is a very good gesture; if other people can emulate him, we will be better off and have a stronger team.

“Although he is injured, we pray for him to get better before the match, which will be a good incentive to motivate the players”. Iroha, an ex-International, said that Emenike had proved that he had a
heart of gold, to support the boys even in his absence.

“I appreciate him for that. It is not easy to pull such a stunt. I wish the team well.  I know that the team will miss him on the field but they should work with one mind and with that, they will make a success of the qualifier,” he said.

Mutiu Adepoju, an ex Super Eagles player, said for a player to offer that kind of amount showed that he was interested in the team’s victory.

“If he can offer that, then it means he is capable of doing it,” he said. Former coach of the Super Falcons, Paul Hamilton, said it was a superb encouragement by Emenike.

“I am astonished at the way he (Emenike) took charge and told his teammates to help him to win, to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. I pray that they (Eagles) remain focused on the field of
play”.

Joe Erico, a former Eagles trainer, also commended Emenike, saying , he was up to the task. I believe words of encouragement would give his team mates the desired push to go all out.
“Even when it won’t be an easy one for them, but I am positive that the results will be fair enough,’’ added the former goalkeeper trainer.