As the Super Eagles begin preparation for the all important 2014FIFA World Cup qualification playoff against the Wayas Antelope of Ethiopia, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Aminu Maigari has told Nigerians not to panic as the African Champions were ordered to beat their opponent silly.
The NFF boss who gave the assurance after receiving the report from the Investigative Committee set up to unravel the circumstances behind the petition Chief Victor Baribote lodged with world football-governing body, FIFA, called on the entire Nigeria football family to work in unison with the federation and pray towards Super Eagles' triumph in Addis Ababa.
"The clash between Nigeria and Ethiopia is a two-legged affair, but we know that if we win in Ethiopia on Sunday next week, 90 per cent of the job would have been done. Of course, we are taking both legs of the fixture very serious. But we are determined to prove in Addis Ababa that we are the champions of Africa and we can win on any soil on the continent," he noted.
The NFF boss also expressed his delight about a report that the presidency will be sending two charter flights to airlift Nigerian contingent to Addis Ababa, although he claimed not to have been officially notified about this.
"If it is true that the president has approved two charter flights for the Ethiopia trip, it was a prove of the harmonious relationship we have with them. I have not actually heard any official confirmation of the report. It goes to show that the president is very concerned about the team. We will reciprocate this gesture by ensuring that we develop Nigerian football.
"We are making tremendous efforts in terms of reaching out to corporate sponsors because we know that government is not relenting to see that we pick the ticket. Let me assure you that we will do everything possible to ensure the Super Eagles get the deserved support in Ethiopia," Maigari added.