Obiano urges Eagles to excel in Brazil

By Emeka Ozumba

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state has joined well-meaning Nigerians to urge the Super Eagles to victory in Brazil. The governor who was speaking during an interaction with Journalists at the Governor's Lodge Awka, stated that the Eagles have what it takes to qualify from their group and progress to cause an upset at the tournament. He believes the team, though young, has the necessary experience to stake a big claim to the cup just like the game's favourites. He reminded them that as African champions, Nigeria and indeed the whole of Africa are looking up to them to excel, saying that anything less than a good result will not be acceptable.

Governor Obiano who lamented Anambra's dwindling fortunes in sports, especially at the national level, reiterated the determination of his government to reposition the state. He recalled that the state was at some point the highest contributor to sporting glory of the country and promised to revive the lost splendour. He listed the effort of his administration in this wise to include but not limited to appointing of qualified people to man the sports ministry. Mr. Tony Nnacheta, a seasoned sports administrator was appointed the commissioner for youths and sports in the state with the charge to turn around the fortunes of sports in the state. Already the state has embarked on a program of action which seeks out young talents and harnesses of existing ones. Efforts are being made to bring news sporting equipments and to also engage sports instructors. Invitation is already given to sports men and women from the state who are plying their trade outside of the state due to lack of reward to come back home.

Obiano promised to arrest the decline of the state's influence in national sports and urged the Super Eagles not to disappoint Nigerians who are praying day and night for their victory. The Eagles will be playing their second match on Saturday against Bosnia-Herzegovina having earlier played goalless with Iran. Their last group F match will be against Argentina one of the tournament's favourites.