The Super Eagles have departed Nigeria for Ndola, Zambia ahead of the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers tomorrow.
The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Government and the Federation's Sponsors, particularly Supersport Television, for support towards Sunday's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles and Zambia's Chipolopolo in Ndola.
Hours before the delegation was due to fly out of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to Ndola, NFF President Amaju Pinnick told thenff.com that the body has reasons to be grateful to the Government and Supersport.
“We want to thank the Federal Government for its usual support and particularly for the support this time towards executing this FIFA World Cup qualifying match. I must specially commend the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung for his efforts.
“Now, we have money to pay the outstanding bonuses and allowances of the players and team officials and we have no problem fulfilling our part of the bargain for this match.
“I want to also appreciate our Sponsors, especially Supersport. We were able to pay for the chartered flight from the sponsorship fee they paid, and take care of a number of logistics.
“As we fly out to Ndola, we want to also thank all football –loving Nigerians for their huge support all the time and we ask for their prayers for success for the Super Eagles on Sunday,” said Pinnick.
Sunday's potentially –explosive encounter at the Levy Nwanawasa Stadium will be the first World Cup qualifying clash between the Super Eagles and the Chipolopolo, who have met 16 times previously, with Nigeria edging the record with six wins, five draws and five losses.