WorldStage Newsonline– President Bola Tinubu has hailed the Super Eagles resilience and talent in their outing at the African Cup of Nations 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire.
He saluted their tenacious performance in the finals of the tourney which saw them coming second behind host Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday.
A statement by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale said the President commended the team, coach, crew and the entire management team.
He described their hard work, assiduity, and sacrifice to come this far in the tournament as a sign of the Nigerians ‘can do’ spirit.
Tinubu acknowledged the hurdles they consistently surpassed with steadily improving performance as they pulled through to the finals.
The President urges Nigerians to be of good cheer, emphasising that the team’s performance won a great victory for Nigeria in the hearts of Africa and the world through its grit, rigour, and determination.
“Let this passing event not dispirit us, but bring us together to work harder.
“We are a great nation bound as one by the green-white-green banner of resilience, joy, hope, duty, and untiring love.
“To those cherished Nigerian youths expressing their gifts in communities, drawing lines in the sand as they play football in their humble rectangles of play, you can be our heroes tomorrow, do not relent in your pursuit.
“My administration is here to make dreams come true,” he said.
SHETTIMA
Vice President Kashim Shettima said on Sunday that Africa was the ultimate winner of the just concluded African Cup of Nations (AFCON), held in Côte d’Ivoire.
Shettima stated this while reacting to the outcome of the finals between Nigeria and Cote D’Ivoire, in a statement by his Media Aide, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, in Abuja.
He stated that the tournament had served as a powerful platform to showcase the potential and resilience of Africa.
” It has reminded us of the importance of teamwork, dedication, and the unwavering spirit that defines our continent.”
He added that the tournament had showcased the brilliance, passion, and resilience of African football.
According to him, Football is a unifying factor that transcends race, region, or religion.
” But most importantly, it must be kept in mind that no matter which way the pendulum swings, Africa is the ultimate winner.
” The unity of Africa, our tolerance threshold and cohabitation is even more important than the victory itself.
” We witnessed dazzling display of skills, tactical battles fought with unwavering determination, and moments of sporting camaraderie that warmed the hearts of millions.
” From the electrifying atmosphere of the stadia, to the joyous celebrations across the continent, Africa came together.
” We cheered our teams, yes, but we also marveled at the artistry of our players, shared in their successes and commiserated with their defeats.”
Shettima emphasised that the success of the tournament belonged to every nation that participated.
He also said that the outcome of the tournament belonged to the dedicated fans, who roared with unyielding support.
” It also belongs to the organisers, who tirelessly ensured a smooth and spectacular event.
” And most importantly, it belongs to the players, from every corner of Africa, who poured their hearts and souls onto the pitch, showcasing the talent and potential that brims within our continent.
” Nigeria may not have lifted the trophy tonight, but Africa truly emerged as the champion.
” This tournament has served as a powerful reminder that our strength lies in our unity.
” We are more than just individual nations; we are a vibrant tapestry woven together by shared history, culture, and dreams.”
” Let this tournament be a catalyst for further collaboration and cooperation across the continent,” Shettima said.
The vice-president urged Africans to channel the passion and unity witnessed on the football pitch into tangible progress in all spheres of life.
” Let us work together to overcome the challenges that still hold us back, and build a brighter future for all Africans.
” Let us celebrate the power of unity, the beauty of diversity, and the boundless potential that lies within our continent.”
Shettima commended the Super Eagles for the display of skills, saying ” our hearts remain filled with immense pride for the Super Eagles”.
” While the trophy may not be coming home to Nigeria tonight; our hearts remain filled with immense pride for the Super Eagles.
” They fought valiantly, displayed incredible skill, and left everything on the pitch. Though the result wasn’t what we desired, their journey throughout this tournament has been nothing short of inspiring.
” Let us remember that victory and defeat are two sides of the same coin in the world of sports.
” We acknowledge the triumph of Côte d’Ivoire and offer our gracious congratulations. Their success should not diminish the remarkable journey of our Super Eagles.
” Once again, congratulations to the Super Eagles! congratulations to Nigeria. congratulations to Cote d’Ivoire, congratulations to Africa.”
He thanked the people of Côte d’Ivoire for their hospitality, sportsmanship, and for creating a memorable AFCON experience.
” Tonight marks not just your victory, but the beautiful game that brings us together.”
INFORMATION MINISTER
The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, says the Super Eagles have won the hearts of Nigerians with their brilliant performance at the just concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
Enoh hailed the performance of the team at the AFCON, culminating in a silver medal and just missing out on the coveted trophy by whiskers.
“We have reached the end of AFCON 2023, and I want to express my gratitude to the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the entire team who brought us this far.
“I applaud your commitment to winning, which led us to the finals,” he said.
The minister said the resilience of the team had evoked the admiration of the entire nation.
“We present you with your well-deserved accolades for standing for Nigeria until the end.
“We are proud of you, You took the Silver, and we congratulate you and wish you all the best,” Enoh said.
Hosts Cote D’Ivoire came from a goal down to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in a pulsating final on Sunday in Abidjan, to lift the AFCON trophy for the third time.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The House of Representatives has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for clinching the silver prize at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the fifth time.
The spokesman for the house, Rep. Rep. Akin Rotimi (APC-Ekiti state) in a statement on Monday said that the green chambers celebrates the entire players and coaching crew for their spirited display in Cote’d Ivoire.
He said that the lawmakers are particularly delight for the performance of the team captain William Ekong for emerging ‘Man of the Competition’.
“The Super Eagles, based on their performance at the tournament, deserved victory but narrowly lost the AFCON trophy.
“Nevertheless, they have proven that Nigeria remains the giant of Africa in sport and other endeavours.
“During the tournament, Nigerians showed that we are one great nation. Nigerians are proud of you,” the Speaker told the Super Eagles at end of the game,” he said.
Rotimi said that the achievement of the Super Eagles would inspire not just the multitude of sports talents across the country, but countrymen and women in other spheres of influence to do more for their fatherland.
He said that the country has been more united by their sterling performance at the tournament, commending the Super Eagles for giving a good account of themselves during the games.
Speaker Abbas adds that the house under his leadership will continue to support programmes and policies that promote sports and youth development.
SANWO-OLU
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has hailed Nigeria’s team, Super Eagles for their performance at the just concluded 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
Sanwo-Olu said the Super Eagles despite losing at the final of the AFCON to the host nation, Cote d’Ivoire, deserved commendation for their superb performance in the competition.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile on Monday, commended the players, the coaching crew and the entire management of the team for making Nigeria proud at the competition by reaching the final against all odds.
He said the Super Eagles fought gallantly to advance to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations by defeating many countries, noting that the participation of the team in the final on Sunday is a testament to the determination, resilience and commitment of the Super Eagles to the competition.
The Governor urged Nigerians who have looked forward to Nigeria winning the AFCON Cup for the fourth time not to be discouraged by the outcome of the match against Côte d’Ivoire.
He appealed to Lagos residents and Nigerians, particularly lovers of football, not to allow the defeat of the Super Eagles at the AFCON final to affect their love for the national team.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who provided venues for Lagos residents to watch the AFCON matches at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena and 26 other centres across the State, urged Nigerians to continue to support national teams in future competitions.
INFORMATION MINISTER
In spite of Nigeria’s loss 2-1 to Côte d’Ivoire, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, congratulated the players and officials of Super Eagles for reaching the finhappen that way.
“We believed in you all the way to this stage, and we continue to believe in you. We kals.
Idris in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said the Super Eagles went to Côte d’Ivoire, flew the nation’s flag high and fought their way to the finals of AFCON 2023.
“Even though we all hoped for a win, and our first AFCON trophy in a decade, it didn’t quite now that the best is yet to come. We will try again.
“President Bola Tinubu and over 200 million of us, your countrymen and women appreciate your efforts.
“That we got to the finals for the first time since 2013 proves that nothing shall be impossible for Nigeria, when we are united as one nation behind one purpose under God,” Idris said.
