Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports development, Mr. Sunday Dare has expressed regrets over Super Eagles failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, IgbereTV reports
In a long statement, Dare, who was live at the Stadium during the disappointing 1-1 draw against the Black Stars of Ghana last Tuesday, said his administration did everything possible to ensure the Eagles won the game.
The Minister went on to condemn the reaction of fans at the stadium after the game, which led to invasion of the pitch and destruction of stadium facilities as well as vandalization of the infrastructure.
“We drew 0-0 in Kumasi and drew 1-1 here and that meant the away goal rule gave Ghana the edge. It is most unfortunate and regrettable that we are not going to Qatar, but that is sports. Nothing is 100% certain,” began Dare.
“On our part, the Federal Government gave every support necessary. We got the stadium ready in all its glory. We mobilised Nigerians and other football lovers to fill up the stadium. The NFF called up a solid cast of players. 60,000 voices sang the National anthem in what must have been one of the most uplifting moments one could imagine.
“The fans gave their vocal support till the very end. The president of the nation, though saddened by the tragic events in Kaduna was determined to lend his support, and not let terrorists determine and define the activities and schedules of the Nation and its leaders with their opportunistic and wicked acts. – which would be kowtowing to their agenda. On the day, it wasn’t enough.
“We will move quickly because we still have a lot of work to do to give Nigerians the calibre of senior team it deserves. We will review all that we did leading to the game, take tough steps to redirect the development of our football and restore the DNA of Nigerian football. Whatever is necessary will be done quietly, firmly and determinedly
