By Andrew Abah, Abuja
The Minister of Sports Development, John Owan Enoh has enthused the Super Eagles ahead of their next match ,round of 16 in the ongoing African Cup of Nations AFCON taking place in Ivory Coast, to tenaciously face their opponents.
In a press statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media Diana- Mary Tiku Nisan, the Minister urged the team to redouble their efforts ,as Nigerians back home are rooting for them. The Minister delivered the message on Thursday via a zoom meeting with the team as they prepare to face Cameroon on Saturday in the continental showpiece that is taking place in Ivory Coast.
He informed the players that President Bola Tinubu was following their matches keenly, even as the President looks forward to an improved performance in their round of 16 games.
“The President is actually watching the matches that you are playing and he is urging you and also showing an understanding of the game. He knows there was a lot of cautiousness at the group stages, and from the round of 16 there is going to be a more impressive performance”.
Senator John Enoh added :
“I also need to communicate to you the mood back home. Every Nigerian is rooting for you. Every Nigerian is believing that you are going to do it again; like the slogan of the NFF says, Let’s do it again!”.
The Minister advised the players to listen to the coach’s instructions, stating that “there is nobody who wants to win this tournament as much as the Nigerian coach, Peisero.” He also urged the players to be focused and not allow social media frenzy distract them.
The Minister further stated that the tournament presents an opportunity for the players to carve a niche for themselves and thereby take their football career to the next level. With a passionate appeal to the team to win their match against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, Owan-Enoh expressed confidence in the capacity of the Super Eagles to win the 2023 African Cup of Nations.
Responding on behalf of the team, Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, while thanking the Minister for the words of encouragement, said that it would be nice to have the president in Ivory Coast to watch and cheer them to victory.
