Joseph Blatter, the president of FIFA (International Federation of Association Football), closely followed the first return match of the 2014 World Cup Africa zone play-offs from start to finish. Promptly recognizing Nigeria’s qualification, he was the first to extend his warm congratulations to the Super Eagles.
Following Nigeria’s decisive 2-0 victory over Ethiopia in Calabar (securing a 4-1 aggregate win over the two matches), Blatter expressed his congratulations on Twitter. His message celebrated Nigeria as the first African country to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil, acknowledging their 5th World Cup appearance: “Congratulations Nigeria. 1st African country qualified for the World Cup after its 4-1 victory. 5th World Cup for the Super Eagles.”
