Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on Super Eagles qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa has said President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua's support to the team was the tonic that gave them victory in Kenya, and the world cup ticket as well.

In a press statement issued by the Acting Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Blessing Wikina and made available to Champion Sports, Governor Amaechi said the total support given to the entire team by President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, was the tonic that propelled the team to beat Kenya 3-2 in Kasarani.

"You know before now, they use to earn five thousand dollars per match for many years, but Mr President approved a 100 per cent increase, and the players had no excuse but to perform," he said.

Governor Amaechi said ultimately, Nigerians are grateful to God for the victory, and thanked the team and officials, as well as the fans, who kept faith with the team, assuring that the Super Eagles would be accorded appropriate reception when they return to the country.

On his absence from Nairobi, Kenya, Governor Amaechi said he had briefed the Super Eagles earlier in Nigeria that Rivers State was preparing to host the ECOWAS President and other Heads of Government from the sub-region who were slated to be in Port Harcourt for the second edition of the ECOWAS beauty Pageant which Rivers State was hosting.

He explained further that the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Engr. Tele Ikuru, and the Rivers State Sports Commissioner, however stood in for him, by accompanying the team to Kenya.

On Nigeria's preparations for the world cup proper, he said the Presidential Taskforce would meet to assess the performance of the team with a view to correcting lapses before the world cup next year.

According to him, having qualified for South Africa 2010, the Super Eagles technical crew and the players should be able to improve on their performance to enable Nigeria have a good showing at the tournament.