Ekong: Super Eagles captain promises Nigerians victory against Parrots of Sao Tome and Principe

The captain of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, William Ekong, has promised that his team will give it their best to defeat the Falcons and True Parrots of Sao Tome and Principe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Senator John Owan Enoh, the minister of sports development, will receive the win as a welcoming gift, according to Ekong.

Since taking over as the Minister of Sports Development a few weeks ago, Enoh has been involved in issues with the three-time African champions.

He oversaw a meeting with NFF top brass where it was decided to extend the contract of Jose Peseiro Santos as the head coach of the Super Eagles.

Ekong made his remarks about the Super Eagles after their latest training.

He said, “Yes, we have already qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, but we want to win this match for a number of reasons.

"We have a new Minister of Sports Development who has hit the ground running. It is good to welcome him with a great win.

“We also need to sustain a winning mentality ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers starting in November.

"So, we are not going to be taking this game as a dead-rubber or whatever people choose to call it. It is another important match as far as we’re concerned.”

Nigeria has already qualified for the finals with 12 points, two more than Guinea Bissau in second place.

The Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau will reach 13 points with a victory over third-placed and eliminated Sierra Leone in Bissau.

No matter what happens in Bissau, a Super Eagles victory in Uyo will put them at 15 points and atop the table.