Jonathan, Eagles in teleconferencing

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday engaged the Super Eagles in a teleconference ahead of their semi-final match with the Malian national team.
Jonathan engaged the highly elated team members for about 30 minutes in a conversation one after the other.
The thrust of his message to all of them was the need for the team to ensure that they scale through the semi final hurdle on Wednesday (today), win the tournament and return to the country with the trophy.
Jonathan demanded from the president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari; coach, Stephen Keshi; and the team captain, Joseph Yobo, what the situation was in the camp.
He told them that Nigerians are solidly behind them and promised that the government would offer them the best inasmuchas they return to the country with the trophy.
He said, “On behalf of our great country, I want to encourage you. I want to tell you that Nigerians are very happy with your performance. We are looking up to you.
“Just last night, we began our centenary celebration: that is 100 years of Nigeria’s amalgamation as a modern nation.
“We believe that you will bring the trophy to your fatherland this year. We are very hopeful. We are all proud of you.
“We are all happy with what you have done and want you to do more. The country promises you the best, just bring the trophy first. We will make you very happy young men.”
The President got Keshi’s assurance that the boys were in high spirit and were in the mood to do well in the next match.
Yobo said the team appreciated the President for taking out time to talk to them, promising that they would put in their best.
“Your Excellency, we appreciate you for taking out time to talk to us and we promise you that by the grace of God, we will bring the trophy back to you. We will do our best, we are very happy, we are very excited. We will do our best and bring the trophy. Hope to see you soon,” Yobo said.
Maigari, in assuring the President of victory said, “We will bring the trophy to double the smile on your face, sir.”
The team doctor told the President that the players are “super fit” for the Wednesday’s encounter while the team’s psychologist said they were in good state of mind.
NFF member, Chris Green, also promised the President that in the spirit of his administration’s transformation agenda, they would bring the trophy home and make the nation great again.
The Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Dr. Patrick Ekeji, who witnessed the conversation at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, later told journalists that the step was the highest level of motivation.