The 2023 Presidential candidate for the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has offered words of encouragement to the Super Eagles ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations knockout clash against Cameroon today.
In a statement released on Saturday via X, the former Anambra governor extended his congratulations to the Nigerian team for reaching the round of 16. Emphasizing the significance of the upcoming match, Obi urged the players to double their efforts while expressing his best wishes for their victory.
Describing the players as “ambassadors” carrying the hopes of the nation, Obi highlighted the role of football in representing the spirit of the youth. “Our football players carry the banner of our youth as ambassadors of our nation,” he stated.
Despite acknowledging the current challenges, Obi remained steadfast in his belief that Nigeria is a nation of winners. Expressing optimism in the country’s potential, he voiced his strong support for the Super Eagles as they face Cameroon in a highly anticipated clash.
The Super Eagles are set to square off against neighbours Cameroon today, with the hope of advancing to the AFCON quarter-finals. The match will take place at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, the same venue where Cameroon emerged victorious in the 1984 AFCON final against Nigeria.
With eight AFCON titles between them, Cameroon boasting five and Nigeria three, the two teams have a storied history. However, recent encounters have seen the Super Eagles dominate, with notable victories in the 2004 quarterfinals in Tunisia and the 2019 round of 16 in Egypt.
Obi expressed his confidence in the Nigerian team’s ability to overcome challenges and succeed against the odds with maximum effort. “I support their hope and the promise of the great nation we deserve,” he added, urging the Eagles to make the country proud.
The winner of the West African clash will advance to the quarterfinals to face the winner of the Angola vs Namibia match, scheduled for 6 pm (Nigerian time) at Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Saturday.
Both Nigeria and Cameroon are vying to add to their AFCON trophy tallies, with Nigeria eyeing a fourth title and Cameroon seeking a sixth. The stage is set for an exciting showdown as these football powerhouses vie for supremacy in the continent’s premier football competition.
