Nigeria’s World Cup-bound football team has met with President Muhammadu Buhari as the players continue with preparation for the tournament.
Buhari wished his countrymen luck in the competition, urging them to go and make Nigeria proud.
“You are going to represent us in Russia, you must bear in mind that you are not just going for a tournament, with each game you must remember that you are carrying the passions, emotions and feelings of over 180 million people. Play fair and clean but demonstrate the gallant spirit which Nigerians are known for,” he said to the team.
The three-time African champions will be taking part in their sixth World Cup, making them the second most successful African team in the World Cup.
The Super Eagles are heading for London first, where they will play a pre-World Cup friendly against England at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
From there, the side will fly to Austria for an eight-day training camp before heading to Russia.
President Buhari has emphasised the importance of the task ahead for the Super Eagles, who have never gone beyond the Round of 16 at World Cup level.
The 2018 tournament is scheduled to begin on 14 June, though Nigeria will play their first game on 16 June.
The West Africans are pooled in Group D alongside Argentina, Croatia and Iceland.
