Super Eagles skipper, Nwankwo Kanu took yet another cursory look at the Eagles run in the Nations Cup and World Cup qualifiers and declared that Nigerians should not take any excuse from them if they fail to qualify for the 2010 World Cup to be hosted in South Africa.

The lanky Portsmouth striker said that the nightmare of Eagles not qualifying for the World Cup in Germany was too horrendous for him and his colleagues. "It was a mental torture for me and others when we couldn't qualify for the World Cup in Germany. That torture is something I do not pray to go through again," he said in Owerri, Imo State where he was decorated as an Ambassador of Goodwill by Governor Ikedi Ohakim.

He assured Nigerians that the Eagles would pick a place in the World Cup in South Africa and urged all to put hands on deck to make it a reality. "So far so good for us. We have maintained a clean slate and hope to play better and get our qualifications in both the Nations Cup and the World Cup."

He regretted the dismal performance of the Eagles in the Nations Cup in Ghana and promised that the team would make amends in the Nations Cup to be hosted by Angola.

Papilo, as he is fondly called said that he was going to ensure that he helps Heartland FC to make a meaningful impact in the CAF Champions. Governor Ohakim had said that the Committee would be held responsible if Heartland fail to win the Champions League.

Kanu said that the committee would do its best but praised the Imo State Commissioner, Professor Nnamdi Obiaraeri for transforming sports in the state within the little time they have been in office. "I know Imo very well because it is home to me.

"I must confess that Prof Obiaraeri has turned sports around with the help of sports-loving Governor Ohakim. I will help them where it is necessary. But I am happy about the honour they have bestowed on me," Kanu emphasised.