***Urges Super Eagles To Go For Gold

By Friday Idachaba Lokoja

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has applauded the Super Eagles of Nigeria on their Wednesday night triumph over Bafana Bafana of South Africa and qualification for the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Ododo who gave the applaud in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah on Thursday in Lokoja commended the Super Eagles for their display of resilience and the “Can-do Spirit” of Nigerians.

He said that the Eagles in the thrilling semi final encounter held their nerves throughout the game and the emotionally charged penalty shootout won by the Super Eagles 4:2.

The Governor noted that the build up to the game demonstrated the undiluted passion by which Nigerians are known to rally in defence of their country in difficult times.

Ododo equally urged all Nigerians to continue to support the Super Eagles to soar in their quest to bring home the coveted continental trophy.

“This win by the Super Eagles proves that Nigeria has what it takes to bounce back from its temporary setbacks as a nation.

“We are inspired as a country and we must all support the Super Eagles to bring home the trophy as they go against the Ivory Coast in the Final this weekend”, Governor Ododo said.

The Governor also urged all Nigerians to pray fervently for the Super Eagles to clinch the Nations Cup adding that the team needed the support of all Nigerians to bring home the trophy. (Ends)

The Super Eagles of Nigeria has defeated Angola in the quart final duel with Angola to advance to semifinal of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after Lookman’s first half goal
Moses Simon’s perceptive pass gave Lookman the rear chance to score his third goal of the knockout stage
With the victory over Angola the Super Eagles have been tipped to be the new tournament favourites however their opponents with confident had created occasional scare.

This is the first time Nigeria have won four consecutive matches at a single Afcon edition without conceding a goal.
Having scored two goals against Cameroon in the last 16 as his first ever Afcon goals, Lookman has become the fourth Nigerian to score at least three goals in the knockout rounds of a single Afcon tournament, after Odion Ighalo in 2019 (4), Jay-Jay Okocha in 2004 (3) and Rashidi Yekini in 1994 (3).

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has urged the Super Eagles of Nigeria to
make a lasting impression as they prepare for a crucial clash against Ivory Coast in their second group game at the African Cup of Nations by winning the crucial match.

The Minister who made the call on Thursday in his office in Abuja, urged the team to make amends for Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea by securing a victory against their host.
A statement by the director of Press and public relations Muhammed Manga quoted
Senator Enoh to have given the indication that
Thursday’s game is an opportunity for the Nigerian team to make a statement by going ahead to feast on the Elephants in their backyard.
“I am urging the Super Eagles to remain resolute, as we will be playing against 11 players on the pitch, the home fans, and even the weather. We must be mentally superior for the entire duration of the game, as we need to secure a victory to boost our chances of advancing to the next round” he said

He stated further that the government and people of Nigeria are behind the Super Eagles who have always been a source of pride for our nation.
“I call upon each player to give his best on the field and make a lasting impression.”

The Minister, however, observed that “winning the second game against Ivory Coast is not just a victory for the team but a statement of our football prowess on the continent.”

Senator Enoh referenced the 2013 victory en route Nigeria’s march to winning the AFCON in South Africa. He said Nigeria defeated the Ivorians when no one gave them a chance against a star-studded Ivorian team.

“We held our own down that night in South Africa, playing against the golden generation of ivorian football to claim a sweet 2-1 victory in the quarterfinal. If we did it ten years ago, then let’s do it again” the minister said

While calling on Nigerians to pray for the Super Eagles’ success at the games, the Minister extended his best wishes to the coaching staff, support personnel, and the entire Nigerian football community