From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has described as very sweet and soothing, the Super Eagles victory yesterday over the Chipolopolo of Zambia at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The Super Eagles, who defeated Zambia by one goal, is the first African team to win the ticket for the World Cup holding in Russia next year.
The President, who congratulated the team in a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said the hard-earned victory was a 57th Independence Anniversary gift to the nation.
He applauded the Super Eagles for the feat of making Nigeria the first African country to qualify for Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament, with a match left to play.
ìAs he joined millions of football-loving Nigerians in rejoicing with the players and their coaching crew, President Buhari called on all Nigerians to apply the values of perseverance, resilience, discipline, hard work and team-spirit which propelled the footballers to excel since the beginning of the qualifying matches, to all sectors of national life,î the statement read.
Buhari promised that the Federal Government would continue to support the team within available resources so that the nation will maximise the unifying potentials of sports in general and football in particular.
He enjoined the entire team and Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) officials to remain steadfast and focused when they begin preparations for the global football fiesta in order to make Nigeria proud.
He urged public, private organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to continue to assist the Super Eagles as the team heads for a sixth appearance at the summit of football competition.
Buhari also appreciated the government of Akwa Ibom State for the invaluable support it has been rendering to the football team, describing it as worthy of emulation.