Qualifying for FIFA World Cup is Nigeria's 'birth right', says Amaju Pinnick

By: Blackcoin

Nigeria considers qualifying for the FIFA World Cup a 'birth right', according to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Pinnick made the remarks while answering questions from journalists ahead of his country's World Cup double-header qualifier match against Ghana.

"When it comes to football, Ghana is historically high up there. And based on the fact that they exited the nations cup in a very humiliating manner so to speak – because they are a great footballing country – they are going to throw anything into the ring in ensuring that the compensate Ghanaians and the government of Ghana," said Pinnick.

"But in Nigeria we are not going to rest. Whatever they are going to do, we are going to do double…because in Nigeria we see going to the world cup – by the special grace of God – as a birth right."

The two West African neighbors are among 10 African countries that are in the final stage of qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup scheduled to be played in November-December in Qatar.

Nigeria has qualified for the World Cup six times, only second to Cameroon's seven. The Super Eagles qualified for the past three consecutive World Cup tournaments.

Ghana on the other hand have qualified three times, their last appearance being in 2014.

While acknowledging the challenge that lies ahead for Nigeria, Pinnick said the team will do its best to secure its place in Qatar.

"We will do our best in ensuring that we make Nigerians very happy," he said.

"We are not looking at even current form. We are looking at the history between Ghana and Nigeria. We will ensure that we do everything to qualify but we know that it is going to be a tough game. That I can assure you."

The final FIFA World Cup African qualifiers are scheduled to be played on 25 and 29 March.