How Eagles can make an impact in Russia – Weah

Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja

Liberian President, Mr. George Weah,  has said  early preparations will  enable the  Super Eagles  to make an  impact  at  the Russia 2018 World Cup.

The  1995 African, European and  World Player of the Year made the call in an interview with State House correspondents  on Monday after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Weah  also urged Nigerian sports authorities to provide an  environment conducive  to  the national team during their camping ahead of the World Cup.

The former AC Milan striker  said, “I think the Nigerian team are a model, we all followed them. I have played with great Nigerian players, I played against them. Now you have a new generation, the fact that they qualified  (for the World Cup) is a good thing for Nigeria.

“But I hope that they will prepare very early because they are going to represent Africa and we will be there to watch them, for them to bring the trophy for the first time if it is possible.

“I want every African government to know that if you win the  World Cup, it is a pride to Africa,  not just to Nigeria. So, we must do everything to ensure that the players are not stressed, make sure they concentrate, make sure their incentives are given to them to motivate them.

“Some of the things you see at the World Cup, you will see an entire team go to represent a whole country and you will hear that one minister took the money, they did not pay these players and the players are causing problems.

“When players are going to camp, it is to relax and focus. And for them to be in camp, they must have everything there for them not to worry.”

The former Liberia captain said   he played in Europe  where players do  not have to worry about anything when they are  in camp.

“So, let the players not have any  excuse, support them and let them go and bring back that cup,” he said.

Weah said he had already approached the World Bank which is offering Liberia $5m to revamp the country’s sports sector.

He said as a former coach, technical director and former sponsor of the national team, he would personally monitor developments in the sector.

He  said he appointed a former player as sports minister and that he would work with the minister to revamp  the national team.

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