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By Amaechi Agbo

Ahead of Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON quarter-final match against Bafana Bafana of South Africa, the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the football federation, NFF, held a crucial meeting Tuesday morning, Bestchoicesports.com.ng understands.

Although the details of the meeting were still not known at press time, it was gathered that among other things, the NFF assured the players of greater incentives as they progressed in the tournament as well as the presentation of
The sum of $75,000 promised the team by NFF’s partner, AITEO Group, for their three goals against Cameroon in Saturday’s Round of 16 in Alexandria, while assuring them that the $20,000 per player promise made by Captain Hosea Wells Okunbo would be redeemed before Wednesday’s match.

At the meeting with the players at breakfast, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick urged the three –time champions to give their all when confronting the Bafana Bafana.

“I have confidence in this team and what you are capable of doing. I am just here to re-emphasise the fact that tomorrow’s game is very important. Football is the greatest known unifying factor among our peoples across different mental and physical boundaries, and victory will help to further solidify our unity.

“Anytime you are playing and winning, our country is united and people forget all their differences in various forms and celebrate together. I want you to take your chances and minimise individual errors at the back and in the midfield,” Pinnick told them.

Pinnick also called on the Super Eagles to, through winning, show gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) as a person, and the Federal Government as an institution, for all the ready support and encouragement over the years.

“We cannot thank our father, President Buhari and the Government enough for all the support and kind gestures. The only way we can repay their support is to keep winning and winning. This is a team that knows how to climb hurdles. South Africa is another hurdle and you will climb it.”

Responding, team captain Mikel John Obi assured Mr Pinnick of the players’ willingness to reciprocate every gesture of support in the field of play.

“There is no doubt that your administration has done very, very well for this team. A lot of things have changed with regards to travelling, lodging and other logistics. We stay in the best hotels and fly chartered aircraft to matches. Your good self and the NFF as an institution also make it a point to fulfill all promises made to the team.

“Let me assure you that we are very committed not only to win against South Africa on Wednesday, but to win this championship. We have confidence that we will go all the way.”

Victory over South Africa will take the Super Eagles to the semi-final.