By Ohuakanwa Chibuzo
The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team, have issued a heartfelt invitation to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to forego watching their matches on television and instead join fellow Nigerians in cheering them on live at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. Additionally, the team confidently reassured the nation that they are poised to clinch the title for the fourth time.
During a recent virtual meeting with Sports Minister John Enoh, Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa emphasized the significance of President Tinubu’s presence in Cote d’Ivoire, expressing belief that it would greatly bolster their determination to secure victory in the tournament.
Musa conveyed, “We have a message that we want to send through you to Mr. President… we don’t want the president to watch our matches on television any more, we want him over here to come and cheer us to victory. Finally, we really appreciate your word of encouragement to the team, and we promise to bring the cup back to Nigeria.”
Senator Enoh shared insights from a recent encounter with President Tinubu, where the president, while acknowledging the team’s progress, expressed reservations about their performance during the group stage of the competition. Nonetheless, President Tinubu conveyed optimism about the team’s potential to elevate their game in subsequent matches.
Enoh conveyed President Tinubu’s sentiments, stating, “That meeting at Aso Rock told me that Mr. President has been watching your games and showing understanding that there is a lot of cautiousness at the group stage. He knows that from the round of 16, you are going to be more impressive.”
Furthermore, Enoh reiterated the nation’s unwavering support for the Super Eagles’ quest for victory and encouraged them to heed the guidance of their coach, Jose Peseiro, emphasizing his ambition to secure the championship.
“I have had cause to tell people that there is nobody as eager to win the AFCON as Peseiro. So, I would like to urge you to listen to everything that he will say to you. Don’t lose focus, forget about the social media. I will even suggest that you do away with your social media… don’t listen to WhatsApp messages. Imagine what it would be like to be among the boys that won Nigeria’s fourth Africa Cup of Nations title. That would be a great achievement,” he encouraged the players.