Presidential Research & Communications Unit

President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on Thursday May 21 in Abuja inaugurated the Presidential Committee to successfully steer the senior national team towards qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

President Yar’Adua said the reason for setting up the committee was based on the Super Eagles’ performance in the World Cup qualifying series so far which has not been satisfactory.

The President therefore charged the committee, football authorities, the players and supporters to ensure that Nigeria must do everything possible not only to qualify but to become the first African country to win the World Cup.

The president explained that the sole role of the committee was to initiate a roadmap through which the national team would qualify for the world cup and go ahead to win it.

“We have shown the world what we can do at the age grade levels and our players ply their trade in some of the best clubs around the world. Now is the time to do it at the senior level as well”, the President said.

He made it clear that the committee was not intended to replace the existing Nigerian Football Federation structure but to augment its effort by mobilizing all stakeholders and resources to ensure that Nigeria participates in the event.

He described Nigerian supporters as the 12th player on the pitch each time the national team files out in the colours.

The chairman of the committee and Rivers state Governor, Mr Chibuike Amaechi said that they have heard the voices of Nigerians and that no excuse would rationalize failure.

"This task force will not interfere in the work of those charged with running Nigerian football. We are all busy people whose hands are already very full. We shall give all the logistics and support and incentive needed for the Super Eagles to play with dignity, style, discipline and patriotism while showing the world glimpses of what we can achieve as a united nation", the governor said.