By Obaloluwa Joshua, ABIDJAN
Sports Minister, John Enoh has urged the Super Eagles to keep their feet on the ground as they battle for the ultimate prize at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles will keep a date with perennial rivals the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a Round of 16 tie on Saturday.
The encounter is billed for the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.
Enoh encouraged the players to improve on their performance and make the nation proud.
“I went to the Villa for another thing yesterday and I met the president, he told me you managed to qualify for the Round of 16 and I said to him that’s how we are going to continue until we win the tournament,” Enoh stated while addressing the players on Wednesday night.
“He said I should tell the players that he wasn’t too impress with the last match but I know that now that they are in the knockout round, they will improve on their performance.
“That is what the president told me and what that means is that the president himself is actually watching all your matches.
“He is actually impressed. He knew you were cautious in the group stage but things will improve now. The president is watching you play.
“I remember that Egypt managed to qualify from the group stage at the last edition and went all the way to the final.
“I also need to tell you what is happening back home. Every Nigerian is rooting for you. Every Nigerian is believing that you are going to do it like the slogan of the NFF.
“There is little that I can say beyond what the coaches are saying to you now. I have had course to tell people that there is nobody that want to win this tournament more than Jose Peseiro. Nobody want it more than him.
“I will like to urge you to listen to him, don’t lose focus. Let your eyes remain on the ball. You need to ignore social media at this stage so that you don’t lose concentration.
“You are going to see comments from Nigerians who are too eager to win. Don’t get distracted, remain focused. You need to use this competition to make name for yourselves.
“Remember what it will be if you win our fourth AFCON title and go down in history as those young men that gave our country remarkable achievement of winning the AFCON for the fourth time. You know this will not be an unforgettable moment.
“Your next game is against Cameroon, let’s use every match to prove ourselves. I’m happy that our president, though has not come to Abidjan but stays back in the Villa to watch you play. READ ALSO:
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“That shows the level of interest he has. Like I told you in Lagos, let us win for this man, let us win for our country.
” believe you can do it. I watched videos of Segun Odegbami, Austine Okocha addressing you you guys. I shared in the sentiment of what they said the team. Odegbami has always believe in this team.
“For the sake of these people, let’s go to battle and win. I want to thank you all for the discipline you have exhibited in camp. I want to urge you to start looking at February 11. See yourself playing in that final.”
