Premier Ewart Brown and Sports Minister El James yesterday hailed Antonio Pierce and the New York Giants' recent National Football Championship (NFC) winning success as a wonderful achievement.

The Giants defeated Green Bay Packers 23-20 in overtime in Green Bay last Sunday to set up a Super Bowl showdown with unbeaten New England Patriots February 3 in Arizona.

Pierce is the second Bermudian behind Ralph (Rocky) Thompson to suit up in a Giants uniform, but now poised to be the first to appear in the NFL spectacle that is the Super Bowl.

He is also the first Bermudian pro footballer to win a conference title - an achievement that, not only stunned Premier Brown, but also drew praise from the Island's leader.

"I never thought the Giants would have made it to the Super Bowl," Brown said.

The Patriots edged the Giants 38-35 in the last meeting between the two teams in the regular season, with Brown now among those who have predicted next month's Super Bowl to be just as evenly contested.

"I expect it to be very close and wish Antonio all the best in the big game, " he added

Sports Minister James echoed Brown's sentiments.

"It's always great to see a son of the soil perform at the highest level, which in this instance is the Super Bowl," he said. "And I would like to take this opportunity to wish Antonio and his New York Giants team-mates all the best - although unfortunately I will be routing for New England instead."

James added: "I know Antonio's family quite well and I think he has done them and Bermuda very proud. Antonio has done extremely well to command a regular spot in the Giants' team.

"I think he has become an asset to the Giants and is one of the reasons why they are going to the Super Bowl."