Senate President, Senator David Mark, was the surprise guest at the Super Eagles last training session at the Soccer City in Soweto, South Africa, ostensibly to assure the team that the people and government of Nigeria were solidly behind them in their quest to win the African Cup of Nations for the third time.
In the delegation of the Senate President, which stood in for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan because of current diplomatic forays in Europe were Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State and the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs) Prof. Viola Onwuliri, the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade and the Minister of State (Works), Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador S.S Yusuf, Senator Abdul Ningi and several top government functionaries.
The team was led to the Eagles training session by Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi and NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari.
Speaking at the occasion, Senator Mark, said the Nigerian government and people were thrilled by the outing of the team so far but like ‘Oliver Twist are asking for more.
“Yes, the job has been well done, but like we say in local parlance the snake is dead and it’s time to cut its head,” he admonished the team.
Mark said he was sure that the team will win the trophy on Sunday but cautioned against complacency.
Responding on behalf of Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, team skipper, Joseph Tambarin Yobo, assured the government delegation that the team will not let the nation down having come this far. He thanked President Jonathan and the Senate President for always standing behind the team and assured that there is no negotiation in the team’s determination to winning its third Nations Cup trophy.
PHOTO CAPTION: Senate President David Mark at the head of the Federal Government delegation addressing Super Eagles players on Saturday evening at the Soccer City in Soweto