P.M. News (Lagos)
Lanre Olaleye
4 May 2001
Lagos — The Liberian government of Charles Taylor is leaving no stone unturned in a bid to secure a first-ever World Cup ticket at the expense of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
For 10 years, the West African country was engulfed by a protracted civil war with Nigeria spending billions of naira to bring about a peace process. With normalcy fully restored in the war-torn nation, Liberia is prepared to pull the rug off the feet of Nigeria in the race for the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup.
Though the Lone Stars currently lead Group B with 12 points, the George Opong Weah-inspired team, however, knows that their safe passage to the mundial depends on the outcome of tomorrow's match against the Super Eagles at the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt.
Hence, the Liberians fully appreciate the essence of divine intervention in tomorrow's match as they storm Nigeria with a praying party to match Nigeria prayer for prayer.
Included in Liberia's 57-man delegation is the Religious Adviser to the Liberian government, Nyemah Nat, who has been charged with the task of organising daily prayer sessions for the Liberian team on arrival in Nigeria.
The decision to seek divine intervention, according to investigations, was prompted by reports received from Liberians in Lagos who have been keeping tab on Nigeria's preparation for the epic match.
To counter the Liberians, the Nigerian soccer authorities have equally arranged for prayer sessions for the Eagles at the Lagos Liaison Office to equally ask for God's guidance and blessings in tomorrow's match.
Similarly, the Nigeria Football Supporters Club has mapped out plans to organise prayer sessions at the club's secretariat along Mabo Street, Surulere.
In a chat with P.M. Sport yesterday, the Chairman of the club, Alhaji Waheed Yusuf, informed that prayers in Muslim and Christian ways will be held before the club departs for Port Harcourt later today, adding that similar exercise will be carried out in Port Harcourt.
He enjoined all Nigerians to also pray for the team, stressing that prayer is important at this crucial period.
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