THE Super Eagles of Nigeria have arrived in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire for the 34th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023) and expressed confidence in going all the way at the tournament.
The three-time African champions left Lagos today in a chartered aircraft and landed in Abidjan at 11.23am Ivorian time (12.23pm Nigeria time), with the players and officials dressed in traditional attire made of Nigerian colours of white and green.
The Super Eagles arrived in Lagos from Abu Dhabi yesterday and were hosted to a send-off dinner in Lagos by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Nigeria Football Federation.
Captain Ahmed Musa acknowledged the power of football and stated that even though he knows the joy of winning the AFCON title, having been part of the squad that triumphed in South Africa in 2013, he is eagerly anticipating another touch of the coveted trophy.
“We are ambitious and we will do our best. The AFCON is an important tournament for every African player, and we are all looking forward to giving our best to do the nation proud,” Musa said on behalf of his teammates.
At the dinner, NFF president Alhaji Ibrahim 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.
Sanwo-Olu noted 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 making a pledge 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,” the Lagos State governor said.
Sports minister John Enoh, who was also at the dinner, charged the players to approach each of their matches with the 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 entire nation,” Enoh said.
“Take the fight to your opponents and show the Naija spirit that you carry.”
The Super Eagles are in Group A with Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea and hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
The 1980, 1994 and 2013 champions will begin their quest for a fourth AFCON title on Sunday when they face Equatorial Guinea in Abidjan.
