Buhari hails Super Eagles as Nigeria draw with South Africa to qualify for 2019 AFCON

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Super Eagles on their qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, following the score draw against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday.
A statement by Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, reads: “The President joins millions of football-loving Nigerians in commending the team for their spirited and disciplined performance against a very formidable opponent which earned them qualification with the final match against Seychelles a mere formality.
“Having keenly followed the senior national football team’s progress in the qualifying stages, President Buhari is enthused by their confidence, sense of patriotism and professionalism, and commends these attributes to other Nigerians.
“He equally commends the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Supporters Club, especially Nigerians residing in South Africa who turned out in great numbers to cheer the players, for a job well-done, and assures them of the unflinching support of the Federal Government going forward.
“The President wishes the young Nigerian football ambassadors more successes as they prepare for the AFCON tournament in Cameroon”.
The Super Eagles drew 1-1 with hosts South Africa in Johannesburg to qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) billed for Cameroon in June.
Nigeria opened scoring after nine minutes when a solo run by Samuel Kalu saw his shot being deflected in by South African defender Buhle Mkhwanazi.
The hosts fought back and piled pressure on the Nigerian side, and after some resistance, the visiting side’s defence line caved in.
Lebo Mothiba finished off a pass from Percy Tau in the 26th minute to draw the home side level.
The win moved Nigeria to the top of their 2019 AFCON Qualifiers Group E with 10 points from five matches.
South Africa are in second place with nine points from the same number of matches, while Libya who hammered Seychelles 8-1 in the group’s other match are with seven points.
The group’s final set of matches will come up on March 22, with Nigeria hosting Seychelles who have one point, and Libya hosting South Africa.
Nigeria, who have won three matches, drawn one and lost one, look set to finish as group leaders.
They have not lost since Match Day 1 in June 2017 when they lost 0-2 to South Africa in Uyo.
A win in March over Seychelles, whom they beat 3-0 in Victoria in September, will set them far apart from either Libya or South Africa.
The Bafana Bafana need to draw against Libya, who will host them in Tunisia in March, in order to stay second and gain qualification.
Libya need a win to finish in second place too, and they look likely to get it based on current form, with South Africa going on to miss another AFCON appearance.
However, all calculations will scatter if Seychelles beat Nigeria, even though this would not bar Nigeria from qualifying since it is only one of South Africa and Libya that can qualify.