President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi, has urged Nigerians to come out in their large numbers, especially those based in the Republic of South Africa, to give massive support to the national football team, Super Eagles, in Saturday’s FIFA World Cup Group B opener against Argentina in Ellis Park.

Jonathan

On the margin of the FIFA Congress which opened on Wednesday, and which he is attending with NFF 1st Vice President Amanze Uchegbulam and General Secretary Bolaji Ojo-Oba in Johannesburg, Lulu said it is important that the fans not only turn up, but also keep supporting the team for the duration of the match.

“We are asking all football–loving Nigerians based in South Africa, and who have legitimate ticket for the match, to turn up and root solidly for our team. Don’t forget that our country’s Number One citizen, His Excellency, President Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR) will be watching from the stands. The fans need to put up a great show as much as the players.

“President Jonathan will be very happy to see a good turn–out of Nigerians who are also well–behaved and who do not relent in supporting their team no matter the tenor of the match. As far as we are concerned, it is a day that will favour our team, and we want the supporters to be fully charged to motivate the Eagles to victory”, Lulu said in Johannesburg.

President Goodluck Jonathan is expected in Johannesburg on Friday as one of a few dozen world leaders who will grace the opening ceremony of Africa’s first –ever FIFA World Cup (80 years after the championship began), and has also promised to be at Ellis Park the following day as the Super Eagles’ Number One Supporter.

“Our President has tremendous GOODLUCK and that is going to work immensely in our team’s favour”, added Lulu.

It is the third time in 16 years that Nigeria will be having to play Argentina in the group phase of the World Cup. In 1994, Diego Maradona (now Head Coach) inspired the Argies to a 2-1 win over Nigeria in America, and eight years ago, a lone goal by Gabriela Batistuta separated the two meets in Japan.
But Nigeria swept to a historic Olympic football gold at the expense of the Argies in 1996, also in America.