Nigeria’s Sports minister, John Owan Enoh, has charged the country’s senior men’s national football team, the Super Eagles to imbibe the spirit of resilience and togetherness in order to bring the coveted African football trophy home.
The minister who made this charge when he hosted the team to a farewell dinner, emphasized the importance of wearing the Nigerian badge with patriotism at the tournament. He further 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. He also highlighted the immense significance of the team’s representation on the continental stage.
Acknowledging the comprehensive support provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in ensuring the team’s readiness, the minister urged the Super Eagles to seize every opportunity from the very first game and do the nation proud.
“Take the fight to your opponents and show the Naija Spirit that you carry,” he charged.
For the competition proper, Enoh said he will be present in Côte d’Ivoire to offer on-ground support and work closely with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to maintain focus and motivation within the team.
Present at the event were Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and his dear wife who hosted the dinner, players of the Super Eagles, coach, Jose Peseiro, technical team members, NFF president Ibrahim Musa Gusau and members of the board, member of the press, amongst others
Nigeria is seeking for a fourth continental title, after the triumphs of 1980, 1994, and 2013. The team will play against Equatorial Guinea in its first game on Sunday, January 14th, before taking on the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire four days later. Her last group game will be against the Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau on January 22nd.