VOICE AIR MEDIA, News Update
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, have urged the Super Eagles to give their best to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
The governor and the minister spoke at the dinner organised to welcome Eagles back from their training camp in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday night at the State House in Marina Lagos.
They charged the players and their handlers to make Nigeria proud at the 34th edition of the AFCON by winning the continental trophy for a fourth time, having previously won the title in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
The Super Eagles, who were dressed in tops inscribed with the slogan ‘Let’s do it again’ were in high spirits during the dinner attended by Lagos First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh; President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau and his immediate predecessor Amaju Pinnick, among others.
Sanwo-Olu, who assured the Super Eagles of his support and that of over 200 million Nigerians, who will derive a lot of pride and joy in the team’s success at the AFCON, implored the Ahmed Musa-led team to work together as a team and not rely on individuals.
“You (Super Eagles players) are the country unifiers; there is an excitement in the heart of over 220 million Nigerians. We believe we have men that can do it for us. Believe in yourself, and don’t give up in Côte d’Ivoire.
“We can’t say we want to do it again by mouth; you must give your best, work as a team. It is not an individual sport; it is a team sport. Personally, I have committed myself that I will be in Abidjan for the game on Sunday and support the team.
Earlier, Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh, also charged the Super Eagles team to win the Africa Nations Cup.
The Minister described the reception as a demonstration of support the team has from Nigerians.
“The outcome of the tournament will restore joy and happiness to homes. There is no better time for this team to conquer Africa and be at the top of African football. We need to win this for the country and President who is a sports enthusiast himself. The team is in high spirits and we are hoping to be the best,” he said.
He further urged the team to imbibe the spirit of resilience and togetherness in order to bring the trophy home.
In an inspiring address during the team’s farewell dinner, Senator Enoh emphasised the importance of wearing the Nigerian badge with patriotism at the tournament.
The minister urged the team to embody the “never say die” spirit of Nigeria, reminding them to play not only for themselves but also for their families and the nation at large.
“With over 200 million Nigerians eagerly watching and supporting, your performance holds the hopes and dreams of our entire nation,” he stated, highlighting the immense significance of the team’s representation on the continental stage.
Also at the dinner, President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, told the audience that he had the assurance of the Head Coach, Jose Peseiro, and the top players that the Super Eagles were going on a mission to win a fourth AFCON title in Cote d’Ivoire.
“I have spoken to the head coach and the captain, and also a good number of the players, and they have assured me of their determination to push strongly for triumph in Cote d’Ivoire, thereby winning the trophy for a fourth time,” Gusau said, adding that the NFF was grateful to President Bola Tinubu for approving funds for the team’s preparation and participation at the continental finals.
Responding, Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa, described football as the only sport that unites Nigerians.
He assured all stakeholders that with the support and prayers of Nigerians, they will make the country proud during the Nations Cup.