Eagles land in Abidjan, talk tough on winning fourth title

Nigeria’s journey to a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title revved up a notch yesterday when the Super Eagles delegation arrived in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, ahead of their opening game of the competition against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.

The Super Eagles, one of the teams tipped for the trophy currently in Senegal’s custody, have been preparing for a big onslaught on the championship since last year culminating in a one-week training camp in the United Arab Emirates last week.

The team returned to Nigeria from Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, were treated to a state reception by Lagos State government same day, before they left for Abidjan on a chartered aircraft yesterday.

But before leaving for Cote d’Ivoire, yesterday, the players and their officials pledged to fight with all the weapons available to them to ensure that Nigerians celebrate victory on February 11, which is the final day of the championship.

Speaking on their readiness to make Nigerians proud in Cote d’Ivoire, Captain Ahmed Musa said the players have resolved that winning the trophy is the only way to repay Nigerians for their loyalty, even in difficult times.

He 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,” he said.

Echoing the players’ optimism, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, assured the country that the Head Coach, Jose Peseiro, and the top players have promised that they are 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 added that the NFF is grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving funds for the team’s preparation and participation at the continental finals. All AFCON 2023 matches will air on Sports Premium, channel 252 or 246, on StarTimes as well as on StarTimes-ON app.