By; Abdull-Azeez Ahmed Kadir, Kaduna.
The equalising goal by the Pharaohs of Egypt against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Kaduna at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium Friday was a cheat as the Egyptian scorer was in offside position, Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has said.
El-Rufai made this assertion Friday night while hosting the Super Eagles to a dinner at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.
He said the Eagles played an excellent game and Kaduna will always be their home just as he promised that the fans would always support the nationa team to the end.
“You played excellent football. You were in control 65 per cent of the time, but perhaps the god of football was not on our side today.
“We have said to you that you will never loose a match in Kaduna, and you have not lost” he asserted.
El-Rufai said he had no doubt that in the next few days the Eagles will grow stronger, go to Egypt and beat the Pharaohs on their own soil.
Also speaking, Minister of Sport and Youth Development, Solomon Dalong said though the Eagles drew the game, it is not a lost. Be even if it was a lost, it is good to lose once in a while as no human is angelic and a lost once in a while makes one stronger and work harder.
He astressed that the Eagles did their best and need not worry because considering the crowded stadium, they would not have left the stadium in a peace if the fans were not satisfied with their performance.
The Minister reiterated that the god of football was not on the side of the Eagles and promised continues support of the Ministry to the national team.
Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinick, Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia and Captain Mikel Obi also spoke at the dinner.
