Ahead of Sunday’s Super Eagles clash with the Falcon and Parrot of Sao Tome and Principe, in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers return-leg billed for the 30,000-capacity Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, Governor Umo Eno has expressed solidarity and support of for the national soccer team with a charge to overcome the Sao Tome challenge.
Eno spoke during his interaction with the Super Eagles contingent at their Four Points by Sheraton Hotel camp, in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state, where the governor welcomed the players and officials, assuring them of adequate security as they enjoy the peaceful and hospitable ambience of the state.
The governor congratulated the players for making it to the national team and encouraged them to play their best to make the country proud, assuring that he would continue to show solidarity with the team throughout their stay.
He noted that football remains a major unifying force in the country, describing it as an exemplary sports that is worthy of emulation by others, including politicians.
He said: “We welcome you very warmly to our state. As a matter of fact, this is one of the beauty of football as it brings all of us together as Nigerians, and then brings all of our players from their different clubs as they put on the Nigerian jerseys and the Nigerian spirit.
“Such a warm fantasy, the cooperation, the unity that exists when you get out there in the field, playing as a nation. That’s where politicians should learn from what you guys are doing by just flying the Nigerian flag, even though you are from different clubs.”
He thanked the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for choosing Uyo as venue for the Super Eagles’ home encounter, among the numerous cities in the country, stressing that the state would always cherish the gesture as it would bring the world’s attention to Akwa Ibom within the period.
“So I thought I need to give it the attention it deserves by coming down here personally to welcome you, see how you are doing and see what we can do to ensure that you are in the right state of mind to win the match on Sunday,” Governor Eno added.
The NFF Deputy Secretary General and leader of the Super Eagles contingent, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, thanked Governor Eno for the warm reception accorded them since their arrival in the state, and expressed appreciation to the governor for showing deep concern for the team by visiting them in camp soon after their arrival in the state.
He expressed optimistim that the team will continue to enjoy such warm welcome in Uyo in subsequent home matches as it prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Head Coach of the Super Eagles team, José Peseiro, and captain of the Team, William-Troost Ekong, in their separate remarks, appreciated the Akwa Ibom state government for the hospitality the team has enjoyed in the state.
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