By ABIRHIRE THOMAS, Reporting from Abidjan
Three-time champions, Nigeria Super Eagles, have arrived in the Cote d’Ivoire’s capital, Abidjan, for the 34th edition of African Cup of Nations finals.
The chartered aircraft that conveyed the players and officials of the Super Eagles outing touched down at 11.23am Cote d’Ivoirian time (12.23pm Nigerian time), with the contingent dressed in Nigerian traditional kaftan attire with caps to match.
Group photograph of players and officials on arrival in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, on Wednesday January 10, 2024.
Their colour and pomp matched the ambience and flavour of the send-forth ceremony organised for the team by the Lagos State Government, Tuesday night of January 9, 2024, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as chief host.
Also present were Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh; President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau; members of NFF Executive Committee; FIFA Council Member Amaju Pinnick; NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; First Lady of Lagos State Dr. Ibironke Sanwo-Olu; top officials of the Lagos State Government; Chairman and Board Members of the Lagos State Football Association; representatives of NFF partners and sponsors and some other corporate chieftains, as well as former Super Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami.
Others included a former Super Eagles’ star Ogenyi Onazi, former international and Chairman of Anambra State FA Chikelue Iloenyosi, leading artistes, top celebrities and influencers.
In his remarks, NFF Presiden Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau told the audience that he had the assurance of the Head Coach, Jose Peseiro, and the top players that they were going on an onslaught for a fourth continental title in Cote d’Ivoire.
“I have spoken to the Head Coach and the Captain, and also a good number of the players, and they have assured me of their determination to push strongly for triumph in Cote d’Ivoire, thereby winning the trophy for a fourth time,” he said.
He added that the NFF was very grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving funds for the team’s preparation and participation at the continental finals.
Sanwo-Olu, in his address, harped on the fact that football is Nigeria’s biggest unifying factor, reiterating that “our peoples from different regions and religion, cultures, norms and social and economic backgrounds come together to cheer our National Teams whenever they are playing. Football brings us all together.
Governor Sanwo-Olu and Sports Minister Enoh display a Let’s Do It Again T-Shirt as NFF President Gusau and others watch at the Send Forth dinner in Lagos on the eve of departure to Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, on Tuesday January 9, 2024.
“I am making a pledge to be personally present at the Africa Cup of Nations to support you. We know you are all geared to perform at the AFCON and make our country proud. We will give you all the support and encouragement that you require.”
Senator Enoh charged the players to approach each of their matches with the fabled Nigerian Spirit, with which they can always surmount obstacles, odds and hurdles and achieve glory. “With over 200 million Nigerians eagerly watching and supporting, your performance holds the hopes and dreams of our entire nation.
“Take the fight to your opponents and show the Naija Spirit that you carry.”
Captain Ahmed Musa acknowledged the power of football and stated that even though he knows the joy of winning the Africa Cup trophy, having been part of the squad that triumphed in South Africa in 2013, he is eagerly anticipating another touch of the coveted trophy.
“We are ambitious and we will do our best. The AFCON is an important tournament for every African player, and we are all looking forward to giving our best to do the nation proud.”
The Confederation of African Football has scheduled a photo shoot for the Super Eagles for Wednesday afternoon.
