Eagles' World Cup Campaign Funds Ready, Says Danagogo

 

Super Eagles

Sports Minister, Dr Tammy Danagogo, has assured Nigerians that everything is being done to make the Super Eagles comfortable during the Mundial in Brazil.

Speaking to the media in Abuja shortly after addressing the contingent going to Gaborone for the African Youth Games in Botswana yesterday, Danagogo said that necessary funds are available for the prosecution of Nigeria’s World Cup 2014 campaign in Brazil.

“Last week Thursday, I interacted with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the World Cup preparation, trying to compare notes and even demanding that they put into writing their level of preparedness and I can tell you that I am impressed with their answers," Danagogo said.

“I am hopeful, very expectant too that we will surpass our previous records. We are going (to Brazil) for the best and we hope that our coaches and our players will live up to that expectation and believe.

“In terms of finances at least we have released money to get the team to a reasonable level in the competition. You must understand that these competitions and their funding come in stages. You take the group stages and you take up to another so that there can be some level of accountability.

“But the government is doing everything possible (to make sure the team is comfortable). We have made releases (of funds) to cover Eagles camping up to the friendly matches in London and in the (United States of America) and also to all the qualifying games. Once that is over, there are other provisions that are also on ground to take them to whatever stage.

“The important thing for the government is for the players to excel. If they are doing well Mr. President (Goodluck Ebele Jonathan) is so interested in sports that everything that needs to be done certainly would be done to make sure we get the best out of the team," Danagogo concluded.

Meanwhile, a Nigerian businessman, Chief Donatus Agu Ejidike, has promised to reward each goal scored by the Super Eagles in this year's World Cup in Brazil with $1,000 (N160,000).

Ejidike, made the pledge on Monday while addressing members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Abuja.
He expressed happiness that the Super Eagles are going to Brazil as African champions, adding that Nigeria will excel at the soccer fiesta.

Ejidike who is also the Pillar of Sports in the country charged Keshi and his wards to make Nigerians proud at the World Cup.
“What makes me happy is that we are going to Brazil as champions of Africa and I would be glad to reward each goal scored by the Eagles with the sum of $1 000.

“I am satisfied with Nigeria's provisional squad and I know those that will be selected for the final list would definitely soar in Brazil,” Ejidike said.

Eagles are in Group F and will face serious competition from Iran, Bosnia and Argentina.