The bottles of champagne are still being popped as Nigeria celebrates the sixth qualification for the World Cup.  President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick on Monday expressed the gratitude of the body and that of the Nigerian football family to the Presidency and various other individuals and groups who contributed to the Super Eagles’ qualification for Russia 2018 World Cup finals.

The Super Eagles beat hard –fighting Zambia 1-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Saturday to become the first African team to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals. But Pinnick noted the Eagles would not have been able to make light work of the so –called Group of Death without the support of so many people and institutions.

Pinnick praised President Muhammadu Buhari for his keen love and support for the team, while also commending Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Sports Minister Solomon Dalung and the sports committees of the National Assembly.

“Mr. President was always there for the team and for the NFF; he supported us not only by providing whatever we asked for but also by keenly following the progress of the team. We remain eternally grateful to him.

“The Vice President came to see the team at training session during one of the qualifying matches and showed immense interest in the team’s welfare. The Senate President personally attended the matches against Algeria and Zambia and sent representatives to the other qualifying matches.

“The Sports Minister? He was a pillar for the team and the NFF during the qualifying series. Apart from always taking up the case of NFF and the team at the Presidency whenever we needed funds for the assignment, he was personally present at all the qualifying matches we played in the group phase.”

The Eagles played all their home matches in the group phase in Uyo, and the NFF supremo spared no encomium for Governor Udom Emmanuel and the Government and good people of Akwa Ibom State.

“Governor Udom Emmanuel did tremendously well. He never wavered in his belief that the Eagles would make it. The Government and good people of Akwa Ibom State showed warmth and commendable hospitality throughout.

“We also commend the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Senate Sports Committee and the House Sports Committee for their support and encouragement.”

The NFF President equally lauded the hard work that the Members of NFF Executive Committee and the NFF Management and Staff did to ensure a smooth run of the campaign.

“The Members of the NFF Executive Committee, my colleagues, were marvellous. I doff my hat for them, for their energy and enthusiasm. The NFF Management and Staff led by Dr. Mohammed Sanusi (General Secretary) also did a wonderful job. Everyone put themselves at the disposal of the Federation for any duty assigned to them, and they did their work well.

“We cannot probably mention the names of all those who helped, but we give kudos to our partners and sponsors, and all stakeholders of Nigerian Football, indeed every Nigerian who played a role in this success.”