The FIFA World Cup is the biggest football showpiece on earth and it’s the dream of every footballer to be part of this event. Nigeria became the first African nation to book a place at the competition, slated for Russia in 2018 after beating Zambia by 1-0 at the Uyo Township stadium on 7th October.
Captain of the Nigerian national team, Mikel John Obi has expressed his immeasurable joy at the Super Eagles’ qualification for next year’s FIFA World Cup finals.
“This is really a dream come true. The team and myself, we worked very hard for this believing we could do it, and we are over the moon that our aspiration has been met.
“I want to commend everyone who has been involved in this: the players, the coaches, the backroom staff, the NFF. It was not easy but we knew from the beginning that we would have to fight hard for every point and we did.”
The former Chelsea FC of England midfielder missed the opportunity of making a fourth World Cup finals when Nigeria narrowly because of the (head-to-head principle) missed the 2006 finals in Germany as well as being ruled out of the 2010 edition in South Africa due to injury.
“There is nothing one can do about that; everything comes in God’s time. I am grateful to God for this ticket and we will go to Russia and give our very best.” The Tianjin TEDA of China midfielder said.
Photo Credit: THE NFF