NFF Hails President Tinubu, Federal Government for Fulfilling AFCON 2023 Promises to Super Eagles

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep appreciation to the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Federal Government for the fulfilment of promises made to the Super Eagles following their runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The pledges, which included houses, national honours, and plots of land for players and officials, were formally fulfilled with the presentation of title documents, certificates of national honours, and confirmation of land allocations.

The ceremony was attended by several top government and football officials, including Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko; NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau; a representative of the Presidency, Mrs Nathan-Mash; Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi; Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu; NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi; Malam Saleh Ahmadu, and officials of the Nigeria Embassy in Morocco.

Speaking at the event, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau described the fulfilment of the promises as a major morale booster for the national team, crediting it as a motivating factor behind Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their opening match of the 35th AFCON in Morocco.

“We cannot thank His Excellency, Mr President, enough for the fulfilment of the promises of national honours and houses for the players and officials,” Gusau said.
“We also thank the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Director General of the NSC, and members of the Federal Executive Council for their efforts in this regard.”

Gusau noted that the gesture had lifted the spirits of the players and officials, expressing optimism that it would translate into stronger performances as the tournament progresses.

“The presentation of the title documents and certificates was a positive development that has lifted the spirit of players and officials. We expect even better performances in subsequent matches. The team has picked the first three points, which is important, but we must be at our best against Tunisia so that we can secure a Round of 16 ticket before the final group game,” he added.

Nigeria defeated Tanzania 2-1 at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday, with goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman, either side of a strike by Charles M’Mbombwa.

The Super Eagles will face Tunisia next as they continue their quest for a fourth AFCON title in Morocco.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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