Nigeria Football Federation president Aminu Maigari has assured fans that the Super Eagles, will qualify for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in South Africa following their goalless draw against Rwanda in Wednesday’s qualification game.
Maigari spoke to reporters in Abuja as the Nigeria delegation returned from Kigali in the early hours of Thursday.
“We planned for a win in Rwanda but got a scoreless draw. While we would have preferred to win, there is no need crying over spilt milk. The onus is now on us to prepare hard to win the return leg in Nigeria, and reach the final qualifying round.
“I am assuring fans and indeed other Nigerians that the NFF will put in place all machinery to ensure the Super Eagles not only beat Rwanda here, but also win the final qualifying fixture in September/October. We must be at the [Afcon]”, he said.
On the applause that home-based players who featured against Rwanda have received from Nigerians and fans elsewhere, Maigari said, “It is a confirmation that the NFF and Stephen Keshi have embarked on the right path forward. The home boys have been in residential camping for some months now and have had a couple of matches to expose them and give them confidence.
“The NFF will ensure that the camping programme of the home boys is sustained, and double efforts to get more friendly matches for them, such as the international friendly on May 23 against Peru in Lima, so that they can always take responsibility even against the top teams in the world when the need arises.
“The truth must be told, the home boys and the Europe-based players gave their all during the match and they deserve to be commended.”
Nigeria will host Rwanda in the return leg match in Nigeria on June 17. But before then, the Eagles take on Namibia and Malawi in 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifying matches on June 3 and June 10 respectively.
The Eagles host the Brave Warriors in Abuja on June 3 before flying to Blantyre to play the Flames seven days later.