Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Monday charged the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation to intensify preparations for the World Cup scheduled for June 2018 in Russia.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the state governor on electronic media, Simeon Nwakaudu.

The governor, who played host to the leadership of the NFF during a courtesy visit by the President, Amaju Pinnick, at the Government House Port Harcourt, revealed that Nigerians will not accept failure in the tournament.  He noted that exiting the World Cup at the group stage will be unacceptable to Nigerians.

Wike said,

“If you fail to advance beyond the group stage, don’t bother to return. Find excuses to stay there in Russia. Nigerians expect the best from the Super Eagles. That is why the NFF must intensify preparations.”

He urged the management of the NFF to close ranks and work in unity for the development of football in the country. He advised that any disagreements should be platforms for development and not for the destruction of the football body.

Governor Wike, who hinted that the State Government is using football as a source of empowerment for the youths, also stated that football is a unifying factor in the country as it douses tension whenever the nation is engaged in international sporting events.

He commended the NFF for the lucid improvements in the country’s league and charged the football body to raise its banner to the level where teams can win on the strength of their capacity.

Pinnick during his speech said that the NFF visited the state to thank the governor for providing the foundation for the qualification of Super Eagles for the World Cup. He recalled that the journey to Russia 2018 commenced in Port Harcourt after the Super Eagles defeated Swaziland.

Pinnick said,

“The governor created the right environment that led to the qualification of Super Eagles for the World Cup. This journey started here in Port Harcourt. Today, Port Harcourt has become a destination of choice .”

The NFF President, who expressed optimism that the country will benefit from the sporting experience of Governor Wike, used the opportunity to formally invite him to be part of the country’s delegation to the World Cup.

See photos from the visit below: