2018 World Cup Remains NFF Target – Pinnick

By Augustine Akhilomen

Despite the nation’s economic recession, the Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick says their goal is to ensure the Super Eagles qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Nigeria have remained unbeaten in their World Cup qualifying campaign, overcoming Zambia and Algeria respectively to top group B on six points and will face the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on August 28, 2017 in Uyo.

Pinnick who has managed to convince members of the Super Eagles players that featured in both matches without been paid their winning bonuses, revealed to Soccernet.com.ng that the federation are focused on qualifying the team for the World Cup regardless of the nation’s economic crisis.

“To be honest with you, it has not been easy for the Nigerian Football Federation to convince some of the invited Super Eagles players over unpaid winning bonuses. This is one of the most toughest moments of my administration and I am glad the players have shown some level of understanding without over blowing the issue,” Pinnick told Soccernet.com.ng.

“However, we are on course to making sure that the senior national team qualify for the 2018 World Cup regardless of the nation’s economic recession because that is the major target of the federation.

“Football is one sport that makes Nigerians happy and we will try our best to make all our national teams happy,”he said.