Despite unexpected defeat in the final of this year’s West African Football Union (WAFU) Cup competition by Hawks of Togo, the Nigeria Football Federation has stated clearly that it is not ashamed of the Super Eagles.
The NFF said they would indeed continue to encourage the domestic League boys’ challenge for places in the senior squad.
“Let us take this as an act of God and brighten up”, Maigari intoned as he addressed the squad, standing beside Head Coach Samson Siasia. “Football is like that; you win some and you lose some. Truth is no one likes to lose in a final match, moreso when it is on home ground. But truth also is that when two teams go up against each other in a final match, only one will emerge the winner.
“We lost today and it’s all part of the game, but I commend your spirit and enthusiasm, and your determination to win. More than these, you showed courage and comportment.
“No team wins always. I can assure you that the Nigeria Football Federation, the coaching crew and indeed, you players must have learnt a lot from this tournament. These lessons will help us all as we go forward”, insisted Maigari.
Its President Aminu Maigari, while addressing the players in the dressing room minutes after the stunning loss to the Hawks, said the team put in everything to achieve victory on the day but had the tide against it.
While commending the players team spirit and enthusiasm, and their determination to win, Maigari, said the team'stechnical crew as well as the players would have learnt a lot from this tournament.
Nigeria fell 2-3 in front of home fans at the MKO Abiola Stadium, with Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel among the fans.
A second minute goal truly unsettled Super Eagles’ nerves, while red card to impressive centre back Gege Soriola and a colourless display by stand-in-skipper and goalkeeper Rotimi Sunday did not make help matters.
The NFF President urged the players to pick up their morale and fight for shirts in the main squad ahead of the high-profile international friendly against Argentina in Abuja on 1st June and the crucial 2012 Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on 4th June.
Responding, Head Coach Siasia assured that the defeat would not impact on the focus of the team as the team take on Argentina on the first of June in an international friendly scheduled for the National Stadium, Abuja.
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