In preparation for the highly anticipated African Cup of Nations final, President Bola Tinubu has tasked Vice President Kashim Shettima with leading a presidential delegation to Ivory Coast for the showdown between the Super Eagles and the Elephants this Sunday.
The directive was revealed in a statement on Saturday by Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, based in Abuja.
Expressing President Tinubu’s confidence in the Nigerian team and the government’s steadfast support, Nkwocha emphasized the significance of Shettima’s presence at the finals as a symbol of solidarity and commitment to the team’s triumph.
“The Vice President had also represented the President at the semi-finals when the Super Eagles defeated South Africa in a pulsating encounter. The Nigerian national team is set to face host, Côte d’Ivoire, in a thrilling rematch at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday, February 11,” the statement read.
Recalling Nigeria’s previous victory over Côte d’Ivoire during the group stage, clinched with a penalty by Captain William Troost-Ekong, the statement highlighted the unifying power of football and the Super Eagles’ role in fostering national pride and unity.
“The federal government calls on all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to unite in support of the Super Eagles, and to raise their voices in encouragement, and create a wave of national pride that propels the team to glory,” Nkwocha added.
With the Vice President set to represent the President once again at the finals, the upcoming match promises to reignite the spirit of competition and national pride, echoing the memorable victory secured by Nigeria in the group stage through Troost-Ekong’s decisive penalty.
