This morning the Super Eagles flew out to Guinea Bissau for a rematch of a 2023 AFCON qualifier Monday with the NFF president charging the team to be fully committed to the national cause.
The Super Eagles were stunned 1-0 Friday by The Djurtus (The Wild Dogs) of Guinea Bissau at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
The rematch will be played at the Estadio 24 de Setembro starting from 5pm Guinea Bissau time (6pm Nigeria time) on Monday.
Meanwhile, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau has said that total commitment besides ability and current form, for any player who wishes to wear the nation’s green-white-green jersey at any level.
Gusau addressed the Super Eagles after the home loss to Guinea Bissau.
“Let us be very clear about one thing: no player will ever be encouraged against his wish to wear Nigeria’s colours at any time,” he declared.
“If an invitation is extended to you at any time, but you are not physically, psychologically or mentally up to it, you are free to decline.
“Nigeria demands good performances and positive results from any of the teams going forward.”
He added: “I was sorely disappointed by your performance against Guinea Bissau and I know that Nigerians at home and in the diaspora are more than disappointed.
“Things must change starting with the return match in Guinea Bissau on Monday. Our country is too big to be getting these poor results at international level.”
Recalling that the U23 Men Team, Olympic Eagles, also failed to score against Guinea in an Africa U23 Cup of Nations qualifier at the same venue on Wednesday, Gusau said the message is for all the teams, down to the U15 side known as Future Eagles.
“Total commitment that we can see in your body language and output will now be a key factor in who wears Nigeria’s jerseys. If some players are not ready to give their all at a particular time, others will be and will deliver for our country,” he said.
Team captain Ahmed Musa apologized to the NFF and Nigerians for the defeat and assured that the players are ready to redeem themselves in the return match.
