Ali Gaiya Salutes Gallant Eagles

The Chairman House Committee on sports Honorable Ali Gaiya has described the Super Eagles 2-0 victory over Congo in the race to qualify for the African Cup of Nations, AFCON 2015, as commanding and commendable.

The Eagles needed to win by at least two-goal margin to have a chance of picking up one of the automatic tickets available in group A, but after a goalless firs thalf at the Stade Municipal de Pointe-Noire, it looked as though it was not going to happen.

However, second half goals from one time Eagles outcast, Ikechukwu Uche and another from substitute Aaron Samuel, his second consecutive goal for the Eagles, were enough for Nigeria to secure the much needed 2-0 victory, as they moved closerto
qualification for the 2015 African Cup of Nations on seven points.

 “I congratulate Nigerians on this hard earned victory, especially coach Stephen Keshi who before now was under a lot of pressure to deliver. It was a victory that depicts the can-do-spirit of Nigerians.

“I want to also warn that it is not yet over, they need to conclude the business by also beating South Africa in their last match in Akwa Ibom.”

The Kaduna born legislator then called for prayers and support for the team and also enjoined the Eagles to build on their current form and go all out toclinch the AFCON 2015 ticket in style.

The Eagles need to win against already qualified South Africa at the Nest of Champions in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday to guarantee a ticket to the tournament in Equatorial Guinea.

Gaiya, who is in line to return to the House of Representatives in 2015 as he braises up for election in his constituency of Jaba/Zangon Kafat, in Kaduna state, while speaking in Abuja also confirmed that the Houseof Reps will follow in the footsteps of the Senate by also passing a bill seeking to repeal the Nigeria Football Association Act 2004and enact a fresh one to sanitize football administration in Nigeria.

“Definitely we will also pass the bill because we believe football needs to be liberated in the country. It will definitely be passed when we are back from recess.”

It will be recalled that the Senate on Thursday passed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Bill 2014 in a bid to bring an end to the incessant crisis rocking football administration in the country.

The Bill which repealed the Nigeria Football Association Act 2004 was passed after a clause-by-clause consideration by lawmakers.