The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has launched “Operation Stop Algeria” aimed at defeating the Desert Foxes when they clash with Super Eagles in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State next month in the second Africa Group B 2018 World Cup qualification match.
NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, said yesterday that the federation and the Eagles have put behind the victory in Zambia and already fully focused on next month’s Matchday 2 clash with Algeria, who like Nigeria played at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup finals.
“We have three points and lead the group, but we do not have the World Cup ticket yet. We must keep our heads. Picking three points in the encounter with Algeria next month is paramount,” Pinnick said.
He praised the Federal Government and NFF sponsors for the successful prosecution oflast Sunday’s Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup African Qualifying Matchday 1 encounter against the Chipolopolo of Zambia in Ndola.
“We cannot thank the Federal Government, and the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports enough for their kind gestures. We also cannot appreciate our sponsors enough, particularly Supersport. Their good intentions made everything possible, and made the victory even sweeter.
“Aware of the challenges at hand, major partner Supersport paid the charter cost of the 148-seater Arik Air plane that conveyed the delegation to and from Ndola, in addition to paying ticket refunds for the overseas-based players.
“We also want to use this opportunity to appeal to other corporate organisations to join and assist the NFF with more financial support to help the Super Eagles land safely at Russia 2018, as Government alone cannot afford the huge cost of prosecuting these games, with so many other sectors in needof support,” the NFF boss said in a statement.
Two first half goals by England-based Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho steered Nigeria, three-time African champions to a 2-1 win, three precious points and early leadership of the so-called ‘Group of Death’ in the World Cup qualifying race.
credit: nationalmirroronline