By Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City and Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated the Super Eagles for the 1-0 victory over Zambia last Saturday.
The governor, who commended Eagles exceptional class with which they outsmarted their Zambian opponents, urged the victorious team not to rest on their oars even as they prepare for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
According to Obaseki, “The Super Eagles have shown the true Nigerian spirit. As a people with an uncommon zeal to succeed without minding the daunting challenges, the Nigerian team showed the world that when we are committed to a task, we would do all to succeed.
“Nothing can quantify the feeling of being the first African team to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. It is only right to urge them to go for glory and come back with the trophy. We have shown the World that we are still a country to reckon with when it come to football.”
While noting that the outcome of the game shows a resolve to achieve results against all odd, he said, “We have shown that even when it is not the best of days, we can still deliver on the job. The tenacity of our boys is a testament to the fact that even when we get to Russia, they would strive to make the country proud.
The governor who added that the Super Eagles are a good representation of the Nigerian spirit, pointed out that the team head to Russia, “we urge them on to victory. They have the best wishes of the people and government of Edo. We are solidly behind them.”
Also, the  Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, congratulated Eagles for qualifying for the Russia 2018.
The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, yesterday in Ilorin, said the Super Eagles’ qualification has once more demonstrated the nation’s strength in football, which made Nigeria the first African country to qualify for the FIFA Mundial in Russia.
Governor Ahmed commended the players for their doggedness and determination to fly Nigeria’s flag at the Mundial.Â
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Ahmed called for immediate commencement of preparations “so that  Nigeria won’t just make up the number at the biggest football fiesta but further make Africa proud”.Â
Governor Ahmed promised to further make the state enabling for sports development by ensuring that the State’s indoor sports hall is renovated to world standard before the end of his tenure.
He therefore  urged the federal government to monitor strictly the team’s preparation for the World Cup because of unity sports generally bring to Nigerians.
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