Nigeria's Presidential Task Force on World Cup qualifying is looking to raise a massive N2.8bn to prosecute the last three games of the Super Eagles campaign to reach South Africa 2010.
Task Force chairman and Rivers State governor Chibuike Amaechi said in Lagos on Thursday that the money is expected to be raised at a dinner at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on August 27.

"The Federal Government has played its role within the limits of available resources in ensuring that our nation's flag is flown in South Africa during the 2010 World Cup.

"The Presidential Task Force wishes to seek the support of individual and corporate Nigerians to lend a helping hand to complement the funding of the Super Eagles campaign for qualification and participation at the World Cup proper," Amaechi stated.

"In this regard, a dinner has been planned to raise funds to augment what is available for the prosecution of the World Cup campaign."

Amaechi added that President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua "has graciously accepted to chair the occasion."

According to Amaechi, President Yar'Adua has already made a sizeable contribution to the cause, but the bulk of the money is expected to come from Nigerians and explained how the funds will be utilized.

"We will provide proper training kit and equipment for the team, give them adequate motivation, fly as many supporters as we can to Kenya for our last game and pay the increased bonuses to the players and coaches."

Medium term, the governor said part of the proceeds will be used to build and maintain a befitting gym facility for the players to train at the National Stadium.

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