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What President Buhari told Super Eagles at the Villa

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Before jetting out to London on Wednesday afternoon, the Super Eagles of Nigeria were hosted by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The visit, which was part of the farewell package for the national team ahead of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, was earlier scheduled for Tuesday but postponed likely because of the Democracy Day celebrations.

During the visit, President Buhari charged the team to do well as they go to make their sixth appearance at the World Cup.

He reminded the team that nothing unites Nigerians like the game of football, and it will be fair that they bear in mind that they carry the feelings of over 180 million citizens when they play in Russia.

“You are going to represent us in Russia,” the President began.

“You must bear in mind that you are not just going for a tournament, with each game you must remember that you are carrying the passions, emotions and feelings of over 180 million people.

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“Play fair and clean but demonstrate the gallant spirit which Nigerians are known for.

“Nothing unites Nigerians more than football and nothing will gladden the people of Nigeria more than for you to acquit yourself honourably by winning in Russia.

“You are the youngest team in the tournament which means you are likely the most inexperienced team, a fact that will not be lost on your opponents. But it is also something that you can use to your advantage.

“You have the full support and the blessings of all Nigerians who will look up to you for as long as the tournament last. “I commend the Nigerian Football Federation for drawing up the right programme that is helping to refine the team to the powerful force which it’s meant to be.

“This is our time, we look up to you to make us proud. All Nigerians join me in saying to you, best of luck. Thank you and God be with you all.”

The Super Eagles are billed to face the Three Lions of England in an international friendly in London this Saturday, after which they will travel to Austria for their final camping ahead of the World Cup.

While in Austria, the team will play their last warm-up match against Czech Republic, before finally jetting out to Russia where they will kick off their campaign against Croatia on June 16.

Iceland and Argentina are the two other opponents of Nigeria in the group stages of the tournament.

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