The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday congratulated the newly-appointed Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission, Dr. Tamuno Danagogo. Danagogo, a lawyer, was sworn into office yesterday morning by President Goodluck Jonathan, to replace Mallam  Bolaji Abdullahi.

Speaking to the new Minister on telephone from Atlanta, United States of America, President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, welcomed him to his new office and prayed for Nigeria's string of successes on and off the football field, nay sports sector to continue, and even blossom, during Dr. Danagogo's tenure.

"It is my special pleasure to, on behalf of the entire Nigeria football family, congratulate you on your new appointment and wish you tremendous success in your tenure. Our football has been experiencing a renaissance in the past two years and we pray that it continues, and in fact get better, during your tenure.

"We hope to make your coming in memorable by charging the Super Eagles to go all out and win today's international friendly against Mexico here in Atlanta. We have never beaten Mexico at full international level, so it would be historic for us to win today," Maigari told Danagogo.

In his response, the new sports minister prayed for the Super Eagles' success in the game and urged the NFF President to call him at the end of the match, "so that I will have good news for Mr. President. Please tell them to go all out and win today's match. I will meet with the team later and let them know the huge importance of doing well at the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil."