Nigeria’s Super Eagles, three-time African champions, have arrived in Abidjan, the capital of Ivory Coast, ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off from January 13 till February 11, 2024
The Super Eagles contingent dressed in Nigeria’s Green and White traditional kaftan attire with a cap to match.
Their colour and pomp matched the ambience and flavour of the send-forth party the Lagos State Government organized for the Super Eagles on Tuesday night with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau assured Nigerians that Head Coach, Jose Peseiro, and the top players are going on an onslaught for a fourth AFCON title in Ivory Coast.
“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.”
He added that the NFF is very grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for approving funds for the team’s preparation and participation at the continental finals.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that football is Nigeria’s biggest unifying factor, reiterating that “our peoples from different regions and religion, cultures, norms and social and economic backgrounds come together to cheer our National Teams whenever they are playing. Football brings us all together.
“I am pledging to be personally present at the Africa Cup of Nations to support you. We know you are all geared to perform at the AFCON and make our country proud. We will give you all the support and encouragement that you require.”
Sports minister Senator Enoh charged the players to approach each of their matches with the fabled Nigerian Spirit, with which they can always surmount obstacles, odds and hurdles and achieve glory.
“With over 200 million Nigerians eagerly watching and supporting, your performance holds the hopes and dreams of our nation,” Senator Enoh said.
“Take the fight to your opponents and show the Naija Spirit you carry.”
Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa said he eagerly anticipates another AFCON trophy having been part of the team that triumphed in South Africa in 2013.
“We are ambitious and we will do our best. The AFCON is an important tournament for every African player, and we look forward to giving our best to make the nation proud.”
The Super Eagles are in Group A alongside the host nations Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea.
The Super Eagles begin their quest for a fourth continental title on Sunday, January 14th, 2024, against Equatorial Guinea before playing Ivory Coast and Guinea Bissau on January 18 and 22, respectively.
