National Teams
Afcon 2023: Lagos State Governor tasks Super Eagles ahead of departure
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwooolu has charged the players of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team not to give up on their dreams of winning their fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote D’Ivoire.
Sanwooolu who was the chief host of a special dinner organized by the Lagos State Government for the Super Eagles on Tuesday night, hours before the three-time champions are set to depart for Cote d’Ivoire to participate in the 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals spoke on the role of football as the country’s primary unifying factor.
He also promised to be in Abidjan for the games.
“You are the country unifier, there is an excitement in the heart of over 200 million Nigerians,” Sanwooolu stated.
“Believe in yourself, and don’t give up in Côte d’Ivoire.
“We can’t say we want to do it again by mouth, you must give your best. Work as a team, it is not an individual sport, it is a team sport. Personally, I have committed myself, I will be in Abidjan for the games and support the team.
“I want to assure you that our best wishes is to do it for our country. Winning the AFCON will be the best palliative.” He concluded.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Musa Gusau expressed the appreciation of the Football Federation to Governor Sanwo-Olu and his administration for their magnanimity on Monday.
He said this ahead of the Governor’s hosting of the team.
“The NFF and the Nigeria Football fraternity are grateful to Governor Sanwo-Olu and his administration for agreeing to host the team to the Send Forth ceremony. It is an occasion to tell the players how much Nigerians will be supporting them at the Africa Cup of Nations Championship. The Honourable Minister of Sports Development will deliver a message from Mr. President. We believe that the event, anchored on the Let’s Do It Again theme, will galvanise the team to go for a fourth continental title in Cote d’Ivoire.”
The team is expected is depart Lagos for Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire capital Wednesday morning.
