Toro Lauds NSC For Timely Release Of Funds

Former Secretary of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Sani Toro, has hailed the National Sports Commission (NSC) for early disbursement of funds for Nigeria’s 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign.

Toro told newsmen in Lagos, that the action was an indication of government’s seriousness toward the competition.

The former secretary said that the NFA was now in a position to embark on the AFCON assignment without let or hindrance.

“I am happy that government has decided to give them money in advance at least approving N1.4 billion; I think it’s a good development at least for a  football. At least that shows the commitment that government; has shown interest at least, that they want to see the team win the cup in South Africa.

“Well if you could recall in 1994 when we were preparing for the Nations Cup, we decided to take the team to Portugal; and they are taking the same step now. They want to take the team anld train, in Portugal; I think that Portugal is a very good place is very close to the European countries; our players can easily move to that place to train.

“I am happy Keshi is doing well; he has started building a team; he should concentrate on the team he has, so that at the end of the day the team will do well.’’

Toro, who was at the helm of affairs in 1996 when the U-23 team won a gold medal at the Atlanta Olympic Games, implored the team to approach the tournament with all seriousness.

“Every team that qualifies to take part in that competition is equally qualified to be in the final and even win the cup. There are no underdogs in football anymore.

“I hope the team will not underrate any of the teams so that at least it can do well because if the team doesn’t do well, Nigerians will start clamouring for the sack of the coach.

“So, this is not the time to start criticising the team; Nigerians have to give it all the necessary support in terms of prayers and in terms of motivation; I think once that is done, it will do well.”

Nigeria is scheduled to play in Group C with the Stallions of Burkina Faso, the Chipolopolo of Zambia, and the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia.

The matches will be played at the Mbombela stadium in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa.