President Bola Tinubu praised the Super Eagles for their performance and tenacity in the just concluded 2023 CAF African Cup of Nations (AfCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
Nigeria did not win the Cup of Nations, losing 1-2 to the host nation, Cote d’Ivoire, on Sunday night at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
However, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to stay upbeat despite the setback, saying that the Eagles’ tenacity and dedication throughout the tournament had won the hearts of Africa and the entire globe.
“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 statement said.
The President, according to the statement, urged Nigerians not to let the loss dispirit them, but let the experience bring them together to work harder, encouraging young citizens, aspiring to bring glory to the country through football not to be deterred as his administration is working to make their dreams come true.
“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,” the President said .