Abuja -The Nigeria Football Association (NFA) on Thursday urged the players and officials of the Akure-based Sunshine Stars FC to do Nigeria proud in the second phase of the CAF Champions League.
The directive is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by NFA's Chief Media Officer, Ademola Olajire.
The statement quoted Emeka Inyama, the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the NFA, as expressing the readiness of the football body to support the Sunshine Stars to win the league.
"Sunshine Stars FC has been consistent in the continent, and deserves our total support and the support of all Nigerians, whether individuals or corporate entities.
"Last year, the team got as far as the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League, and that was no mean feat.
"Now, they are again in the group phase of the most prestigious club competition in Africa, and surely have demonstrated a capacity to go all the way.
"The NFA is pleased with the team's valiant efforts in the earlier rounds, but the truth is things will get tougher in the group stage, and you cannot get a tougher draw than playing against the Cup holders in your first match in this stage."
The statement noted that the club would play the defending champions, Esperance of Tunisia in Ijebu-Ode on July 8, at the Dipo Dina International Stadium.
Other clubs in the same Group A with Sunshine Stars and Esperance are Etoile du Sahel, another Tunisian side, and ASO Chlef of Algeria.
"The entire NFA Board and Management, and the Nigeria football family are behind Sunshine Stars FC as they begin this campaign.
"We want them to go out there and fight for the country. They are representing a whole nation and that message must be clear to the players and officials." (NAN)
Vanguard Nigeria
All the best to the Nigerian representative in CAF Champions League!