Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi was practically in tears on Tuesday when he learnt of the injury to Toronto FC of Canada forward, Bright Dike. The attacker had been marked for a possible place in the Nigeria team for the 2014 World Cup. On Wednesday, President Goodluck Jonathan gave the Nigerian football family cause to be hopeful for Brazil 2014 when he was decorated as the Grand Patron of the Nigeria supporters club and announced that he would be in the South American country to cheer the Eagles.
Keshi is already making effort to reach the medics of the player’s club to know the extent of the injury. The 27-year-old tore his Achilles tendon for the second time in three years during a club training session on Monday.
Keshi said, “No, no, this is very sad. I can’t believe this is happening to a player with such enthusiasm to play for Nigeria at the highest level; we will surely miss him. If it’s true he will not be ready on time for the World Cup. I can’t think of any replacement for now until we get to the real facts of the matter.”
Keshi is in Florianopolis, Brazil attending a FIFA seminar along with coaches of other qualified nations and their officials. The coach added that he is praying for the other players.
“We just have to commit all the other players to God’s hands,” he said.
At the ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Jonathan announced a donation of N50m to the Nigerian Supporters Club Worldwide to ease its members’ participation in the Mundial in June.
He was presented with a regalia and cap designed with national colours, a staff of office and a trophy by the club’s President-General, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, who was supported by the Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye and NFF president Alhaji Aminu Maigari.
Jonathan also promised to approach some people he described as “senior boys” in the country to also assist the club to ensure that its members’ presence is felt during the Mundial.
The President said, “This year 2014 is a very significant year for sports as we prepare for the World Cup in Brazil and the Commonwealth Games immediately after.
”I urge the Nigerian Football Supporters Club not to relent in its very important role in cheering our athletes and sportsmen to victory. Indeed, every Nigerian should be a member of this supporters’ club. So next time our sportsmen and women are playing, be proud to sing along and swing to the beats in your sitting room.
”The Federal Government and indeed all Nigerians appreciate and need to encourage you to go to Brazil. The Federal Government is going to give you a token but I will personally consult with the senior boys to add something to that.
”The Federal Government is going to start it with the sum of N50m. But I am hopeful that by the time I talk to some of our senior boys, I think the money may even double.”
He promised to join them in Brazil to cheer the Eagles to victory.