Mark Leads Presidential Delegation to World Cup

*Uzoenyi jets out to join teammates
Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

Senate President, David Mark, yesterday led a high powered federal government delegation to the kick-off of 2014 FIFA World Cup tournament in Brazil.

Mark will represent President Goodluck Jonathan at the opening ceremony of the Mundial and as well watch Super Eagles first match against Iran along with the delegation before returning to Nigeria.

The delegation was made up of Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Adamu Gumba; his House of Representatives' counterpart, Geofrey Gaiya; Minister of Sports, Tamuno Danagogo; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Professor Viola Onwuliri and a Commissioner of Police, Kola Sodipo.

Also in the team were governors of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke; his Katsina State counterpart, Shehu Shema; Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Bala Mohammed; Culture and Tourism Minister, Edem Duke and his counterpart in Youth Development Ministry, Boni Haruna.

Mark will also deliver Jonathan's goodwill message to Super Eagles as well as members of the technical crew and also use the opportunity to hold private talks with the squad on why they need to do well at the competition.

Meanwhile, African Nations Champions (CHAN) hero, Ejike Uzoenyi, departed Lagos for Brazil last night to join the rest of his Super Eagles team-mates after he was selected as replacement for injured Elderson Echiejile in Nigeria's 23-man squad for the World Cup.
Uzoenyi had returned to Enugu where he had resumed training with his Glo Premier League club side, Enugu Rangers.

The Media Officer of the Flying Antelopes, Foster Chime, confirmed yesterday that Uzoenyi has already made travel arrangements to leave Nigeria tonight, for the South American nation.

"He trained with us Monday evening and this morning (yesterday)," Chime revealed to KickOffNigeria.com.
"He informed us during this morning's training exercise that he has already booked a mid-morning flight to Lagos, from where he will connect with a 10:00pm flight to Brazil."

The winger took part in yesterday’s training session with his team-mates at Enugu Rangers, to keep him in good shape before he arrives at the team's camp at the Vitoria Hotel Concept in Campinas.