The Nigeria Football Federation has applauded the run of the Super Eagles to the semi finals of the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, stating that the team’s campaign had been underpinned by sheer commitment, sense of purpose, passion, discipline, patriotic fervour and resilience.
A tense and turgid second semi final of the 35th AFCON ended scoreless after 120 minutes of regulation and extra time, with the tie having to be settled by a penalty shootout that Morocco 4-2 at the magnificent Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday night.
President of NFF and President of WAFU B, Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), on Thursday called on the squad to put behind Wednesday’s narrow defeat and go all out for the bronze when they encounter the Pharaohs of Egypt in Casablanca on Saturday.
“It is important to retain focus by not continuing to dwell on what happened in the semi final match. As far as we are concerned, the team coped well in the circumstances, navigating a number of challenges and playing their game. Penalty shootouts remain lotteries in the game and it could have gone either way. Two years ago, they won their semi-final match of the AFCON after a penalty shootout. This time, it was not meant to be.
“The NFF is proud of the output of the team at this championship. They gave their best and still remain the team to have scored the most goals here. We will talk to them to pick up their morale and go for the bronze so that they will have something from a tournament in which they have done so well.”
On his part, billionaire industrialist and philanthropist, Abdul Samad Rabiu, GCON (Chairman of BUA Group), extolled the spirit and sense of purpose of the team, and insisted that despite the loss, he would go ahead and fulfill his pledge of $500,000 to the players and officials.
“You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud. Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we hope for, but the spirit, passion, and unity you displayed are what truly matters. You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration.
“As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, I am still going ahead to fulfill my pledge of $500,000. This is in recognition of your hard work, dedication, and the joy you have brought to our nation. Keep your heads high, Super Eagles – the experience, lessons and spirit will fuel even greater success next time. Nigeria will always be proud of you, and we believe in your future victories.”
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles left Morocco’s administrative capital, Rabat for Casablanca (venue of their bronze-medal match with Egypt) on Thursday afternoon.
The team has been scheduled to have a training session in Casablanca on Thursday evening, which will be open to the media. Friday’s training session will be the official training, with media representatives allowed access for the opening 15 minutes.