Three-time African champion Super Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday January 10, arrived in Abidjan, the capital of Cote d”Ivoire, ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off from January 13 till February 11, 2024
The Super Eagles contingent dressed in green and white traditional kaftan attire with a cap to match.
Their colour and pomp matched the ambience and flavour of the send-forth party the Lagos State Government organized for the Super Eagles few hours before their departure with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau assured Nigerians that Head Coach, Jose Peseiro, and the top players are going on an onslaught for a fourth AFCON title in Ivory Coast.
“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 that the NFF is very grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for approving funds for the team’s preparation and participation at the continental finals.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised 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.
“I am pledging 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.”
Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa said he eagerly anticipates another AFCON trophy having been part of the team that triumphed in South Africa in 2013.
“We are ambitious and we will do our best. The AFCON is an important tournament for every African player, and we look forward to giving our best to make the nation proud.”
The Super Eagles are in Group A alongside the host nations Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea.
The Super Eagles begin their quest for a fourth continental title on Sunday, January 14, against Equatorial Guinea before playing host – Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea Bissau on January 18 and 22, respectively.