Nigeria’s Sports Development minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, has charged the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro to ensure that the country’s senior men national football team, Super Eagles, emerge champions at the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
He gave the marching orders yesterday in Abuja at a meeting with the leadership of NFF and Peseiro to discuss strategic plans and preparations for the continental soccer showpiece scheduled to hold from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
The meeting held at the minister’s office in Abuja, focused on fostering synergy and solidifying a comprehensive roadmap to ensure optimal preparations and success for the Nigeria’s national football team at the continental soccer showpiece.
The minister, according to a press statement issued after the meeting by the minister’s media aide, Kola Daniel, Enoh however assured NFF of Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government’s unwavering support and demanded for a meticulous planning and cohesive strategies that will propel Super Eagles to victory in Cote d’Ivoire.
“Our country is so passionate about football, such that amidst all other sports, football is about the only sport that has an entry in the nation’s national budget,” Senator Enoh said. “That is how important football is, because whatever happens to it, happens to us as a country.”
“After 10 years, the country is thirsty to win the AFCON. It will matter a great deal to the Nigerian people, and to the government of President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. It is important to not just leave the task to the NFF alone, but the Government is also interested in being able to tell the Nigerian people what is being done in that regard.”
He stated that the AFCON represents a pivotal opportunity for the national team to showcase its strength and resilience on the continental stage. The meeting underscores the Ministry’s commitment to providing all necessary support and resources to ensure Super Eagles’ readiness and competitiveness at the tournament.
Speaking at the meeting, NFF president Ibrahim Gusau, assured Nigerians that there is no need to panic, saying all hands are on deck, working round the clock to ensure the country’s flag flies high at the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.
On his part, Eagles gaffer Jose Peseiro reiterated his commitment to steering the Nigerian national team to victory in Cote d’Ivoire.
He highlighted the significance of robust preparation and emphasized that the technical crew will work with the players to sort out grey areas and bring joy to Nigerians.
The NFF delegation at the meeting also included 1st Vice President, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, Technical Director, Augustine Eguaveon, Chairman, Technical Committee, Sharif Inuwa and Director of international competitions, Dayo Enebi.
The Super Eagles are in group A and will battle Côte D’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau in the group stage.
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