The Federal Government has directed that offices be closed at 1pm today to enable civil servants troop out in large numbers to support to the Super Eagles.
In a circular dated 28th March, 2022 dished out by the office of the Head of Service of the Federation and signed by the Permanent Secretary Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe, the FG underscored the importance of qualifying for the next world cup in Qatar and directed all heads of units to give the circular wide publicity.
The circular reads in part” There is need mobilise support for the Nigerian team, consequently I am directed to inform you that all offices will be closed at 1.00pm on Tuesday 29th March, 2022. Permanent Secretaries are requested to give this circular wide publicity to achieve the desired result”
After playing a barren draw at the Baba Yara Stadium on Friday, the Eagles file out today at 6pm in a second leg and final rematch with their West African rivals Ghana.
Only one of the countries will pick one of the five tickets allotted for African countries to the World Cup in November. Aside from the circular on early closure of work today, arrangements have equally been made for fans to board free buses to the MKO Stadium to ensure massive turnout. At the first leg no fewer than 70,000 Ghanaians turned out to cheer the Black Stars who however failed to scale Eagles hurdle at home.
Some analyst predict that the Black Stars will be throwing every arsenal at their disposal in today’s match warning that the Eagles must resist the temptation to blink even for a second within the 90 minute battle.
A number of fans who spoke with Sportinglife.ng ahead of today’s encounter charged the Eagles to ensure the get a goal in the first 45 minute as failure to do so will make it anybody’s game. “The Eagles just have to go for early goal that is the way to go. If they allow the game drag without a goal eating into the second half Ghana may just spring a surprise” they warned.
Eagles are eyeing a seventh appearance at the World cup having made six appearances in the past beginning with the debut in 1994 in USA.
