by Oge Okonkwo

President  Goodluck Jonathan  paid a surprise visit to members of  the  Super Eagles team on Saturday in Addis Ababa,  during their training for the World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia which will take place on Sunday, October 13, 2013 .

According to reports, the President wished the team success, encouraging the Super Eagles to make Nigeria proud by defeating their host, so as to qualify for Brazil 2013.

President Jonathan who was in Ethiopia for the African Union head of government extraordinary meeting in Addis Ababa stated that he was optimistic that the Eagles will make the World Cup, because the team have shown character.

Vanguard Newspapers reports:

“Surely you will make it; the spirit is there. I wish you success. It is a determining match. Definitely we have been going to the World Cup, but this year we are not just going to the World Cup, we will make an impact. The world will begin to know that we have arrived as a nation. We will give you all the encouragement required. Thank you for what you are doing for us,” Jonathan said.

Nigeria Football Federation president, Aminu Maigari assured the President that the Eagles will make good their qualification for the World Cup.

“I assure you that we will be able to deliver and we will deliver. We will do our best. We have a good team. Goodluck Jonathan is the only President who has created time amidst his tight schedule to be with the Super Eagles twice. This is the biggest motivation and we will make you proud. We will be in Brazil,” he said.

The Eagles arrived in the early hours of Saturday aboard a chartered Ethiopian Airlines flight and were received by Nigerian delegation, who have been on ground in Addis Ababa as well as top officials of the Ethiopia Football Federation (EFF).