Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has called on the Super Eagles to bring their A game to bear when they tackle Lesotho and the Benin Republic in the remaining matches of African qualifying series.
He said the players should represent the country the same way they do in their varous clubs.
The former NFF boss spoke to Arise News as the Super Eagles prepare to play against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
Pinnick is confident that the Super Eagles can still make it to the tournament if they stay focused and united.
“The only thing you can do is to psyche the players. Let them look at Nigeria, the national morale. Let them be very patriotic on and off the pitch,” Pinnick said.
“Let them give us their best — the same thing they do for their clubs, let them come and do it here.”
Pinnick, who currently serves as the Deputy Chairperson of FIFA Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, revealed that he remains in close contact with the Super Eagles players as part of efforts to motivate them.
“One thing I always preach to them-the captain is the coach on the pitch. I am in touch with them, I talk to them because it’s very important that we qualify.
“I have a strong feeling that we can still qualify. If we beat Lesotho tomorrow, come home and beat Benin, let’s just wait and see,” Pinnick added.
The NFF boss led Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.