Izuchukwu Okosi
The Federal Government has joined millions of Nigeria football fans to congratulate the Super Eagles for a splendid group stage performance at the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
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The Nigeria national team defeated Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau in Group D to set up a round of 16 meeting with the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia.
Forty-eight hours after President Mohammadu Buhari congratulated the boys for making it to the second round of Africa’s football fiesta, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo heaped plaudits on the team and called on Nigerians to learn from the heroes of our time, who have demonstrated the true Nigeria spirit and are on the road to writing their names in gold.
The Vice President who over time has shown that he is a big supporter of the Super Eagles, praised the boys for their resilience and determination to succeed. He also used the ocassion to call on all Nigerians to imbibe same spirit of togetherness, patriotism and commitment to the national project.
“Even as we speak, the Nigeria Super Eagles are doing us proud in Cameroon, outclassing their opponents, one match at a time at the ongoing Nations Cup.
“Making up the team are Nigerians from across Ethnic lines and religions. The all inspiring dribbles from the Igboland, the through pass from the Hausa player, the goal from the maverick Itsekiri guy or the striker from Yoruba origin, all counts for Nigeria. We all count for Nigeria. No matter what faith we prophess or language we speak, we have Nigeria in us. We are Nigerians and indeed Nigeria is us” Osinbajo concluded.
These lines drew applause and a standing ovation from the audience.
Professor Osinbajo’s message came at a time when Nigeria Football Federation, NFF President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick has assured the team that the hope of the Nigerian people rests on their shoulders. He said the generation of players have a chance to make history
“I want to say that what we are seeing from this team today has nothing to do with the monetary incentives or financial motivation from anyone. It is all about the will spirit and the determination by this group of players to make history.
“These players and the technical staff must be commended for agreeing to work as one big family, determined to succeed. We always have the players and the talents but now we have a coach that believes in his players and has given them the motivation to go all out and express themselves.
“I am confident that with this togetherness and patriotic zeal, Nigeria can go all the way in Cameroon,” Pinnick enthused.
The NFF president assures that on their part as administrators of the game, they will do everything for the team to succeed.
Nigeria’s game against Tunisia will kick off 8pm Nigerian time on Sunday at the Roumde Adjia stadium in Garoua.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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