Share
…as MTN hosts returning Eagles in Abuja
By Damilola Aina, Abuja
The Nigerian Football Federation has called on corporate organisations to support the federation in developing football in the country.
The President of the NFF, Ibrahim Gusau, made the call when MTN Nigeria hosted the Super Eagles, runners-up at the just-concluded African Cup of Nations 2023, to a breakfast meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Eagles finished as runner-up to the host country, Ivory Coast after a pulsating 2-1 defeat to the host nation.
NFF President Gusau said football administration was difficult without finance.
Gusau, while commending MTN, added that for the federation to achieve more in football development more corporate organisations should fund football development through the NFF.
“All of us here today (Tuesday) would have loved to be celebrating here with the trophy but unfortunately God knows why. But we thank God, at least, as we heard from the captain, this is the beginning of the new dawn as far as Nigerian football is concerned.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank MTN for their support and I hope that other corporate organisations will come up to see how they can support us more because without the finances we cannot achieve what we have been able to achieve. So, we need more organisations to come and support us so that we can continue to build on what we have so far built.”
The Chief Executive Officer, of MTN Nigerian, Karl Toriola, appreciated the emotional commitment of the players to succeed.
“What I liked about this team, which we haven’t seen in other teams of other nations, was the visible emotional commitment to succeed. Unfortunately, we didn’t bring the cup home, but that was always going to be difficult when you are playing against your host country. It was incredible and the resilience that you showed getting to the final.
“You guys have shown your complete commitment through your leadership and we are extremely proud of you for supporting the Nigerian Football Federation and the Super Eagles,” he stated.
The Chairman, MTN Board of Directors, Prof. Ernest Ndukwe, said MTN’s involvement was its way of giving back to society following the support it had received from Nigerians over the years.
“This is because MTN is a sports-loving organisation. Over the years, we have always wanted to support the Supper Eagles in various ways. MTN is fully committed to supporting the Super Eagles.”
“We are building a nation where sports has a great role to play as a unifying force. So if we support sports, we are promoting unity among Nigerians.” He added.
Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro, thanked everyone who supported the team all through their preparations and the tournament proper.
“To the NFF I thank you, MTN I thank you, Nigerians I thank you for all the support.”