Aiteo Group, the indigenous but global Nigerian oil producer, has commended players and officials of the Nigerian team to the on-going World Cup in Russia for the efforts they put into their performances at the tournament.
The group is the official optimum partner of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
In a statement issued by the oil producer, owner of the prolific Niger Delta oil mining lease OML 29, it said despite bowing out of the tournament at the group stage, it was very proud of how the Eagles won the hearts of Nigerians, and how in this short period, they have been able to magically pull a nation of over 180 million people together, “attesting to our belief that football remains a major unifying factor in Nigeria.”
Benedict Peters, the executive vice chairman of Aiteo Group said: “The moments of anxieties and excitements shared when our nation plays are priceless and unforgettable. Whilst it is disheartening that we did not proceed to the next round, we are confident that with this same passion and more preparation, victory awaits in coming years. Aiteo is motivated to continue to invest in football, having watched the Super Eagles play their hearts out and fans across the country lay their common defences aside to cheer them. Now is the time to put the World Cup exit behind us and move towards building a stronger team and a stronger nation together.”
The company further stated that it noted the players put in their utmost with patriotic fervour and were so close to getting the needed draw against two-time world champions, Argentina.
“They epitomized the essence of the Nigerian Spirit: result-driven commitment to excellence and grit in the face of daunting challenges, all hallmarks of Aiteo’s commitment to empowering Nigeria’s burgeoning youth population,” the company said.
It said it had only compliments for the board of the NFF, led by Amaju Pinnick which provided effective work tools in the critical areas of: securing sponsorships, high level and adequate preparations, provisions for improvement through modern technology, hiring of quality technical staff and payment of the team’s World Cup bonus long before they kicked a ball in Russia.
Aiteo said it was committed to fulfilling its bonuses to the Super Eagles in addition to its long-term investment in Nigerian football, adding that it remains unquestionably devoted to working with Nigeria’s Football leadership to provide Nigerians with a team that will compete for the global crown by the next World Cup.
