President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has lauded the commitment of Super Eagles’ players and their show of patriotism toward the forthcoming double-headed African Cup of Nation (AFCON) qualifier against the Pharaohs of Egypt.

Speaking during in an interaction with newsmen yesterday in Abuja, he said the players are all desperate to get the best and possible outcome out of both legs against Egypt, in order to qualify for the 2017 African Cup of Nations Gabon.

With Super Eagles sitting in second spot behind Egypt, Pinnick said the priority of the NFF is to ensure that the nation hoists her flag in Gabon, the host of the next AFCON, adding that the players are more committed and determined to excel at next year’s AFCON.

He claimed to love the fact that the players have resorted to motivating themselves, because “no one can motivate them better,” he stressed.

“The most interesting is that the players know how the important the games are and they are ones encouraging everybody about the games. I received calls every day from them assuring me that they will beat Egypt and qualify for the Nations’ Cup. Their commitment and patriotism for the games is amazing,” he enthused.

The Super Eagles missed the 2015 edition of the AFCON hosted by Equatorial Guinea after failing to qualify, having drawn the last game against South Africa in Uyo. However, Pinnick assured that his board of NFF would do everything possible to ensure that Nigeria qualifies for the next edition next year.