YOUTH and sports minister Sunday Dare is confident that the Super Eagles’ progress will not be hampered by their defeat to Tunisia at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Nigerian side had won all their group games but they came short against Tunisia on Sunday, losing 1-0 in their round of 16 tie in Garoua, Cameroon.
“The Super Eagles’ exit from the AFCON is indeed painful. We had hoped with their prior superlative performances they would advance and come home with a historic victory in our hands, ” Dare said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Although we did not reach our goal, as a nation we have reason to be proud and optimistic about the future of our team. “This collection of individual talents came together to forge a true team. They played hard and in unison, and with a common desire to do Nigeria proud and prove themselves worthy of representing our beloved nation on and off the field of play. In this, they performed admirably.”
Dare insisted the Super Eagles made Nigeria proud and gave their best to the cause of their country at the tournament in Cameroon.
“The players gave a good account of themselves and did Nigeria proud,” the minister added.
“They have put Africa and the rest of the world on notice. Nigerian football will be characterised by greater team work, effort and cohesion. This team will improve and become a solid and fierce contender in any competition they are a part of in future.
“Our football, once again was fluid, purposeful and beautiful to watch. We have a good team and Nigeria will help them get better.
“The Eagles distinguished themselves with brilliant soccer displays leading to CAF technical men voting Austin Eguavoen as the best coach of the group phase.
“We have participated creditably but unfortunately out of the competition, however the fighting spirit and sense of what we can do are strong. As long as we remain committed to teamwork and a common goal, the Super Eagles will become more and more formidable.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank soccer-loving Nigerians who followed the team’s participation at the competition.”
Dare also expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his support and the government’s release of funds to the team, and looks forward to the team making it to the next World Cup.
He added: “Our eyes are set on greater glory with this crop of talented and skillful Super Eagles players. We believe in them and will do all we can to ensure they qualify for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar this November and next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cote’d Ivoire.”
Nigeria face Ghana in the final qualifying round playoffs in March for a spot in Qatar.
