President Bola Tinubu commended the Super Eagles for their performance during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final held in Ivory Coast.
Despite their defeat to the host nation, Tinubu acknowledged the team’s resilience and talent displayed throughout the tournament.
The statement, issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Sunday, highlighted Tinubu’s appreciation for the Eagles’ efforts despite the loss. The Ivory Coast’s Elephants emerged victorious in the final, defeating the Super Eagles 2-1.
Tinubu also noted that Nigeria’s participation in the tournament was a significant achievement, resonating both within Africa and globally.
The statement read, “President Bola Tinubu salutes the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their tenacious performance in the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
“President Tinubu commends the team, the 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 urges Nigerians to be of good cheer, emphasizing that we won a great victory in the hearts of Africa and the world by our grit, rigour, and determination in the field of play.”
The president, however, urged Nigerians not to be demoralised, saying, “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.”
