The government of Delta State has received words of appreciation from the executive committee of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for agreeing to host the Super Eagles’ camping and international friendly against Uganda, sports247.ng reports.
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the NFF executive committee’s meeting in the state capital, Asaba on Tuesday, few hours before the Eagles played out a goalless draw with Uganda at Stephen Keshi Stadium.
The state governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa was praised for personally taking up the challenge of ensuring adequate facilities, logistics and welfare were put in place for the players, coaches and officials during the stay.
The Eagles also received commendation for making the best of conducive camping and serene atmosphere provided by Delta State government to get a 1-1 draw away to South Africa and qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
The NFF board, though, expressed disappointment with the female squad, Super Falcons, who were beaten 1-0 in their first match at the Africa Women Cup of Nations in Ghana.
The Falcons’ players and coaching crew were then charged to ensure they return to winning ways in their second group match against Zambia on Wednesday.
The communique at the end of Tuesday’s meeting in Asaba read in part: “The Executive Committee expressed disappointment with the performance of the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, in the team’s opening match loss to South Africa at the 11th Women Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana but expressed confidence in the ability of the coaching crew and the players to bounce back.
“The Board however charged the players and the technical crew to put the defeat behind them and assume the true spirit of champions from their second match against Zambia on Wednesday, 21st November 2018, and go ahead to not only win a ticket to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but to also retain the trophy.
“The Board, on behalf of the NFF and the entire Nigerian Football family, expressed immense gratitude to the Executive Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa and his administration for the continued support and show of love to the NFF and the National Teams.
“Most recently being the camping of the Super Eagles in Asaba for their 2019 AFCON qualifier against South Africa in Johannesburg and the sponsorship of the international friendly match between the Super Eagles and the Cranes of Uganda which took place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Tuesday, 20th November 2018.”
