Super Eagles players have been asked to look beyond their winning bonuses but rather put the nation first in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Pharaohs of Egypt in Kaduna on March 25, 2016.
Mutiu Adepotu, former Super Eagles striker, who gave this advice on Sunday urged the players to draw strength from the team’s absence at the last tournament and ensure victory against the Pharaohs in the two qualifying matches.
Adepoju, said much as the NFF would fulfill its obligation to the players, the players should not make their money their cardinal focus in the match.
“Egypt players know that a draw in Nigeria will brighten their chances of qualifying for the tournament, so they will come with that mindset.
“If I were to be the players, I will get this job done first before anything,” he said.
He said that the NFF would do everything to motivate the players, but advised that the players should go all out to defeat the Pharaohs.
“I know the NFF will not relent in doing anything that can get the ticket for us, but the players must defend Nigeria first. Money should not be an issue because their career will be enhanced if Nigeria makes it to Gabon.
“All I am saying is that they should not give the NFF any monetary condition before winning the match against Egypt. Such has ruined the national team before and we should not allow that.”
Nigeria plays Egypt on March 25 in Kaduna before a reverse fixture in Alexandria on March 29. The group winner automatically qualifies for the tournament.