2023 AFCON Qualifiers: Akwa Ibom State drums support for Super Eagles 

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has assured the Super Eagles of the state’s full support ahead of their 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers against Sao Tome and Principe on Sunday.

Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe will trace tackle in the last Group A game which is a formality after the former had sealed a place at the 2023 AFCON with a game to spare.

Except for pride, Sao Tome and Principe are already ruled ouf og the Afcon qualification and can no longer qualify for the tournament taking place in Ivory Coast.

“We like to welcome you very warmly to our state as a matter of fact this is one of the beauties of football, it brings all of us together as Nigerians and also brings all of our players from different clubs and then they put on the Nigerian jersey,” The Governor told players and official during a reception.

“How I wish all of us politicians could learn from what you guys are doing, looking forward to flying the Nigerian flag even though you come from different clubs, it’s such a warm thing to see.

“I like to congratulate you for making it to the national team and we just came to say welcome to Akwa Ibom, thanks to the NFF and everyone who has made this happen.

“Choosing Akwa Ibom we don’t take it for granted, I decided to give it the attention it deserves, to come personally and welcome you, check how you’re doing, see what we can do to ensure that you are in the right state of mind to win the match on Sunday and also ensure that we work with you by providing the necessary support for you to go ahead and also win other matches for the World Cup qualifiers.”

The Assistant captain of the team who is the standing captain for the game said he hoped to play the 2024 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, the venue of Sunday’s encounter.