Race To 2014 W/Cup: SWAN Happy With S’Eagles

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has commended the Super Eagles in their bid to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The association in a statement by its Deputy Secretary-General, Ben Ogbemudia, said in Lagos that it was pleased with the team’s achievement so far under Coach Stephen Keshi.

The statement noted that the association, was particularly pleased that the team had not lost any competitive match since Keshi took over as chief coach.

It urged the players to continue to put in their best until the World Cup ticket is won.

It said SWAN felt that the decision to slash the players’ bonuses by the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) was ill-timed.

“The NFA, Super Eagles technical crew and the players themselves should know that they are holding in trust for the football-loving citizens of our country.

“The players should also note that they cannot play the game without the managerial input which must always be positive though from the NFA.

“Therefore, they should always try to respect constituted authorities so that the game will continuously move forward in the country,” the statement said.

It added that SWAN wished to call on Nigerians to continue to support the Super Eagles in their endeavours as ambassadors of the country so that their goals could be achieved.

The statement said the association denied the report that a new Pillar of Sports had been decided on.