June, 8 2022.
_"...stay in Nigeria and enjoy our culture and people"_
Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Sunday Dare has charged newly appointed coach of the Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro to lead the rebuilding of a new, strong and formidable Senior National Team for Nigeria, as he gets his reign underway.
The Portuguese gaffer was officially received at the Minister's Conference Room by Sunday Dare on Wednesday, who assured the coach that the new crew will enjoy the support of the Ministry through the NFF, to ensure the team succeeds during his time in charge of the Super Eagles.
Dare said "for us as a ministry and the NFF, the message we want to pass emphatically to the new coach, is that this is the start of the rebuilding process. Nigeria is a football-loving nation, they love the Super Eagles and they love to win every game, even though it's impossible. Whether it is friendly or a competitive game. Let there be consistency and discipline in our team, on and off the pitch, because it's a critical criteria for success"
"Nigerians would want to see the hunger, aggressiveness, and the commitment in the team that you lead. If you lose, it should be done gallantly with a spirited fight. You must restore the confidence of Nigerians in the Super Eagles", Dare added.
The Minister went on to task the team to win their first game against Sierra Leone and follow it up with another result against Sao Tome and Principe, as the Eagles kick-start their journey to Cote D'Ivoire for AFCON 2023.
Nigeria will take on the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Thursday, 9th June, before travelling to Marrakech to face Sao Tome and Principe on Tuesday, 13th June, 2022.