Nigerian President Boosts National Team's Moral in South Africa

Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Nigerian President
on arrival in South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup

The Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is in South Africa as the number one supporter of the nation’s team the Supper Eagle.


President Jonathan who arrived Pretoria, South Africa, on Thursday, June 10, ahead of the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, was received on arrival at the Airforce Base Watercloor Airport in Pretoria by the Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Brigadier Buba Marwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia and Minister for Sports, Alhaji Isa Bio.

Nigerian Leader Received on Arrival

Others at hand to receive the Nigerian leader were FIFA Executive member, Dr. Amos Adamu, the Director General, National Sports Commission, Mr. Patrick Ekeji, the Consular General in the Nigerian Embassy in South Africa, Mr. Okey Emuchay and other government officials.

President Jonathan is in South Africa on the invitation of the South African President Jacob Zuma as one of the world leaders to witness the opening ceremony of the first world cup to be hosted on African soil.

The President on Friday, June 11, met with the Super Eagles and boosted their morale before their first match against Argentina on Saturday, June 12, a match which the Supper Eagle lost by 1-0..

Dr. Jonathan Meets with Nigerian community in South Africa

The Nigerian leader, who met with the Nigerian community in South Africa, assured them of a credible elections and good governance come the 2011 general election in the country.

He gave the assurance during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian Community in South Africa which held at the Burgers Park Hotel in Pretoria, South Africa stating that his administration will do all it can to ensure that political office holders emerge through credible election processes.

“We are determined to ensure that henceforth no political office holder will suffer credibility issues regarding elections. From the next general elections in 2011, Nigerians who will hold political offices will be properly elected and it will be very clear to all including international observers that they emerged through a credible process,” President Jonathan stated.

The President Assured Credible Elections in the Country

He assured the gathering that his administration will give the needed support and autonomy to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) and its chairman-designate, Professor Attahiru Jega, to conduct credible elections in the country. “It is our collective responsibility to support Jega to succeed.”

While acknowledging the contributions of Nigerians in Diaspora to national development, Dr. Jonathan said government is working with the National Assembly for an enabling legislation to establish a Diaspora Commission that will address Diaspora issues and properly channel the contributions of Nigerians abroad for greater benefits.

He enjoined Nigerians abroad to keep faith in the nation as government is working round the clock to address critical national issues of infrastructural development especially in the energy, education and health sectors.