Super Eagles must qualify for Russia 2018-Pinnick

After failing to qualify for back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations finals, the Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick has declared that qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia is not negotiable.
Pinnick told journalists in Abuja that one of the reasons why he is in office is to make sure Nigeria makes his to Russia and he would not  lose focus in achieving that goal,

“We cannot afford any distractions, not from anywhere. We have an objective of qualifying for Russia 2018 and that is not what we can negotiate. That is one of the reasons I am in the office today. The Board has to look at various areas of the preparation as we countenance the draw for the group phase of the series that is coming up on 24th June.”
Having been placed in Pot 3, three-time African champions, Nigeria face a tough route to Russia and would indeed have to be at their best if they are to secure one of the five tickets seeded to Africa at Russia 2018.
Since finally making her debut at the 1994 World Cup, Nigeria has qualified for all but one of the five editions of the Mundial held afterwards.
Meanwhile, the NFF boss also drew positives from the two international friendly matches the Super Eagles played in Europe against Mali and Luxembourg, saying the two games unveiled a young, vibrant team capable of taking Nigeria football to new levels of excellence.