Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wise has revealed that the Super Eagles of Nigeria cannot afford to fail at this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Wike was speaking on Monday when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick visited him at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

In his words, Wike said: “If you fail to advance beyond the group stage, don’t bother to return. Find excuses to stay there in Russia. Nigerians expect the best from the Super Eagles. That is why the NFF must intensify preparations.”

Speaking earlier, the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick thanked Governor Wike for providing the foundation for the qualification of Super Eagles for Russia 2018 adding that the journey the tournament started in Port Harcourt after the Super Eagles defeated Swaziland.

In his words, Pinnick said: “The governor created the right environment that led to the qualification of Super Eagles for the World Cup. The journey started here in Port Harcourt.”