AFCON 2023: Ibrahim Gusau praises President Tinubu for Super Eagles motivation

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Ibrahim Gusau has showered praise on Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking the time to motivate the Super Eagles players before their 1-0 win against Angola.

Gusau also praised Senate President Godswill Akpabio who flew all the way to Cote d’Ivoire to show his support.

He believes that the Super Eagles’ quarter-final victory at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was in tandem with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘renewed hope agenda.’

Prior to the match, Mr. President gave the Super Eagles a motivational speech over a video call, days after clearing a ₦12 billion outstanding payment in an attempt to ensure the commitments of the footballers to global success.

“Let me tell you something: that virtual interaction that our Father of the Nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) had with the players before the match against Angola was highly motivating and inspiring at the same time.

“He told them to go for it because they can do it and that they can go all the way. The players told me his words kept ringing in their ears,” Gusau said via the NFF media.

“We also commend the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic, Chief Godswill Akpabio (CON) for finding the time to come all the way to Abidjan to cheer the Eagles to victory against the Angolans.

“It was a very tough game but the players knew the whole of Nigeria was behind them having heard the words of Mr. President and knowing that the country’s number three man was in the stands cheering them on.

“I must also give kudos to Nigeria’s Member of the esteemed FIFA Council, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, my predecessor in office. He has been amazing in the way he has supported everything we are doing and provided valuable advice every now and then. He is a real patriot with so much passion and the NFF is grateful to him.”

The Super Eagles will take on South Africa in a highly-anticipated semi-final.