Failure to qualify for two straight AFCONS was what pushed the Super Eagles to qualify for next year’s World Cup, according to NFF president Amaju Pinnick.
Super Eagles forward Oghenekaro Etebo (C) tries to outwit South African defence during their 2019 AFCON qualifier at Goodswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Photo: AFP
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2015 and 2017 AFCONS and Pinnick said that spurred the NFF to ensure the country did not miss out on the World Cup in Russia.
“We knew we were condemned to qualify, and everybody worked hard for it,” he said.
“We identified the areas that needed extra effort and also knew that we needed to get a top–notch coach as well as be relevant in the game’s boardroom internationally.
“We scored bull’s eye in both areas and these helped us greatly in the campaign.”
He again restated his belief the Eagles fly high at Russia 2018.
“I want to also commend the players and the technical crew and backroom staff,” he saluted.
AFCON failure pushed Eagles to qualify for 2018 World Cup – Pinnick
