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.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for clinching the silver prize at the 2023 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.
Mr 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 added that the house under his leadership will continue to support programmes and policies that promote sports and youth development.
NAN reports that the Eagles lost 2-1 to the Elephants of Ivory Coast – the host nation, in a tense, anticipated final match.
NAN
