The Super Eagles have returned to Nigeria from South Africa after qualifying for the African Cup of Nations, AFCON, scheduled to hold in Cameroon in 2019.
The Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by the Bafana Bafana during the qualifying match which was played at Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday.
The team which landed at Asaba International Airport, was received by Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
The governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Tam Brisibe, said: “This is momentous bearing in mind that the flight successfully took the Super Eagles to South Africa and came back without hitches.
“It is more gratifying to note that the Super Eagles trained at the Stephen Keshi Stadium before leaving for South Africa through the Asaba Airport; they went to South Africa and qualified for Cameroon 2019.”
He added: “The principal thing was qualifying for Cameroon and by God’s grace, we have qualified for AFCON, we congratulate the Super Eagles for making Nigeria proud.”
President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr Pinnick Amaju expressed joy that FIFA had approved the Stephen Keshi Stadium for international football championship, adding that it was a thing of pride for the Super Eagles to travel through the Asaba International Airport.
“When it was announced yesterday (Saturday) that we are boarding and flying to Asaba, it gave me great joy, it shows that God rules supreme in Delta State, we have qualified for AFCON and we are going to Cameroon to make great impact,” Mr Amaju said.
He emphasized: “On behalf of NFF, I thank the Governor and the good people of Delta State for their show of enthusiasm since the Super Eagles came, that stadium is wonderful and the Super Eagles will beat Uganda in their friendly match, remember that the Ugandan Team has also qualified for AFCON.”
Special Project Director of Asaba International Airport, Chief Austin Ayomedejo, said, “I feel excited, we give God the glory for using the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa to achieve this great feat; what is more important is that we have been upgraded to Category C airport, which allows bigger aircraft to land.”
