Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Ahmad Ahmad has tipped Nigeria to perform very well in the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in Russia come 2018.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Pharaoh’s of Egypt are the only two African nations to have gained qualification to the finals in Russia with a game left to play.
Ahmad also did not agree with the current FIFA ranking which placed Nigeria 41st in the World and fifth in Africa. He was of the opinion that the Super Eagles ought to have been given a higher ranking.
“No doubt, Nigeria is the strongest African team going to Russia and we expect so much from the Super Eagles.
“Amaju (Pinnick) has been spot-on in at least two major decisions this year: to support the change at CAF and to get the Nigerian fraternity to work assiduously towards Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup,” Ahmad said during a meeting of Congress of Nigerian Football, which also had in attendance Members of the NFF Executive Committee at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.
The CAF President also reinstated that the support of Nigerians and the Congress has paid off as it is the reason for the increase and growth of the NFF and the Super Eagles.
If you did not support Amaju in his decision to support the Change Team before the CAF elections, we would not be here today,” Ahmad added.
“Your support underscores the unity of Nigerian football fraternity, and this is refreshing considering what we have in some other countries.
“Amaju has been spot-on in at least two major decisions this year: to support the change at CAF and to get the Nigerian fraternity to work assiduously towards Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.”
Ahmad, who is from Madagascar, unseated former incumbent CAF president Issa Hayatou after 29 years and was greatly supported by Nigeria’s Amaju Pinnick . He also advised the Congress to continue to give backing to the vision and mission of the Pinnick-led NFF, insisting that CAF has the highest regards for Nigeria.
“We are here not only to watch the finale of the AITEO Cup, but also to hold the CAF Emergency Committee meeting. Nigeria is a very important country in African football, and will remain so for a long time with the unity and cohesion that I see here.”
The second round is the highest stage Nigeria has reached in six appearances of the FIFA World Cup.
