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President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari has
assured Nigerians that the Senior National Team, Super Eagles, will
qualify for the 2013 African Cup of Nations to be staged in South
Africa.
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Maigari spoke in Abuja as the Nigeria delegation to Wednesday’s
qualifying match against Rwanda returned to Nigeria in the early hours
of Thursday, and against the backdrop of the 0-0 result against the
Amavubi Stars in Kigali.
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“We planned for a win in Rwanda but got a scoreless draw. While we
would have preferred to win, there is no need crying over spilt milk.
The onus is now on us to prepare hard to win the return leg in
Nigeria, and reach the final qualifying round.
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“I am assuring ball fans and indeed other Nigerians that the NFF will
put in place all machinery to ensure the Super Eagles not only beat
Rwanda here, but also win the final qualifying fixture in
Saptember/October. We must be at the 2013 African Cup of Nations in
South Africa”, said the NFF supremo.
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On the applause that home-based players who featured against Rwanda
have received from Nigerians and fans elsewhere, Maigari said: “It is
a confirmation that the NFF and Coach Stephen Keshi have embarked on
the right path forward. The home boys have been in residential camping
for some months now and have had a couple of matches to expose them
and give them confidence.
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“The NFF will ensure that the camping programme of the home boys is
sustained, and double efforts to get more friendly matches for them,
such as the international friendly on 23rd May against Peru in Lima,
so that they can always take responsibility even against the top teams
of the world when the need arises.
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“The truth must be told: The home boys and the Europe-based players
gave their all during the match and they deserve to be commended”.
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Nigeria will host Rwanda in the return leg match in Nigeria on June
17. But before then, the Eagles take on Namibia and Malawi in 2014
FIFA World Cup qualifying matches on June 3 and June 10 respectively.
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The Eagles host Namibia’s Brave Warriors in Nigeria on June 3 before
flying to Blantyre to play the Flames of Malawi on June 10.