President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima and the Federal Government have saluted the Super Eagles for their tenacious performance in the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
In the Sunday evening Africa Cup of Nations final, Ivory Coast defeated Nigeria 2-1 to win the tournament spectacularly on home soil, Pulse reported.
William Troost-Ekong’s header in the 38th minute had put Nigeria ahead while Ivory coast’s Sebastian Haller scored the winning goal in the 81st minute after Franck Kessie tied the score in the 62nd minute after.
The President in a statement released by his aide after the defeat, urged Nigerians to be of good cheer, emphasizing that the Super Eagles won a great victory in the hearts of Africa and the world by their grit, rigour, and determination in the field of play.
He commended the team, coach, the crew, and the entire management team for their hard work, assiduity, and sacrifice to come this far in the tournament, acknowledging the hurdles they consistently surpassed with steadily improving performance as they pulled through to the finals.
The President said, “Let this passing event not dispirit us, but bring us together to work harder. We are a great nation bound as one by 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 added.
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima who led Presidential delegation to cheer the Super Eagles up at the final in Côte d’Ivoire said, “While the trophy may not be coming home to Nigeria; our hearts remain filled with immense pride for the Super Eagles.
He noted that the Super Eagles 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.
“This tournament has been a testament to the incredible talent and passion that exists across Africa. We witnessed breathtaking displays of skill, tactical brilliance, and moments of sportsmanship that transcended national borders”.
Speaking to the people of Côte d’Ivoire, on the gracious hosts, the VP thanked them for their hospitality, their sportsmanship, and for creating a memorable AFCON experience. “Tonight marks not just your victory, but the beautiful game that brings us together.
“Football is a unifying factor. It 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,” President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has said.
This tournament has showcased the brilliance, passion, and resilience of African football. We witnessed dazzling displays of skill, tactical battles fought with unwavering determination, and moments of sporting camaraderie that warmed the hearts of millions.
Also, the Federal Government has congratulated the players, coaches and officials of our Super Eagles for reaching the finals of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
According to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris in a statement said, Super Eagles went to Côte d’Ivoire, flew Nigeria’s flag high, and fought their way to the finals.
He added that even though Nigerians hoped for a win, and Super Eagles first AFCON trophy in a decade, but it didn’t quite happen that way. “We believed in you all the way to this stage, and we continue to believe in you. We know that the best is yet to come. We will try again.
He noted, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all 200 million of us your countrymen and women appreciate your efforts. That we got to final 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”.