1st AFCON Send Forth In 30 Years, SWAN Chairman Commends Minister

1st AFCON Send Forth In 30 Years, SWAN Chairman Commends Minister By Niyi Busari Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) FCT Chapter, Bunmi Haruna has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, for organizing a send forth for the Super Eagles ahead of their 33rd African Nations Cup in Cameroon, BSNSports.com.ng can report. Speaking at the event, Comrade Bunmi Haruna pointed out that such event has not been held in the last 30 years adding that it showed how much the Federal Government and Nigerians will rally behind the team to go for the title. "I want to point out that in the last 30 years that Super Eagles have been playing in the African Nations Cup, this is the first time the Federal Government is sending forth the team. "This is huge achievement for the Federal Government particularly the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare for making this event possible despite the tight schedules." He also hailed the NFF for their developmental programs that saw 17 players migrating from the age grade teams to the make the final 28-man of the Super Eagles. "Also, while checking the 28-man list of the Super Eagles, I discover that 17 of them have played in the age-grade national teams. This is an achievement for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for monitoring the progress of the players from their U-17, U-20 and U-23 days to the Super Eagles. "It will go a long way in improving the confidence level of the team which will result in winning the AFCON for the fourth time." Held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on Tuesday, January 4, the players and officials of the team had settled in before 8pm as the event commenced immediately. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Ismail Abubakar in his opening remarks assured the team of Federal Government total support after introduction of dignitaries and players. "I want to assure you that the Federal Government and indeed all Nigerians are solidly behind you. This is organised by the President Buhari-led administration to encourage the Super Eagles to go for gold. "The Federal Government will everything to support you in making that the dream is achieved." Super Eagles will depart Nigeria for Cameroon on Wednesday afternoon ahead of their first match against Egypt on January 11 before taking on Sudan and Guinea Bissau on January 15 and 19 respectively