Nigeria’s Super Eagles have arrived Abidjan the capital of Ivory Coast for the 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Players and officials from the three-time African champions were transported by a leased airplane, which landed at 11.23 am Cote d’Ivoire time (12.23 pm Nigeria time). The group was outfitted in traditional Nigerian kaftan clothing and matching caps.
The Super Eagles’ color and pompadour complemented the atmosphere and flavor of the Send Forth ceremony held for the team by the Lagos State Government on Tuesday night, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu serving as chief host, according to a statement released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)’s director of communications, Ademola Olajire, on Wednesday.
Sen. John Enoh, the minister of sports development, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, the general secretary of the NFF, members of the NFF Executive Committee, FIFA Council member Amaju Pinnick, the first lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibironke Sanwo-Olu, and other high-ranking officials from the Lagos State administration were also present at the send-forth.
The head coach, José Peseiro, and the best players in the team have assured the NFF president that they are going all out for a fourth continental title in Cote d’Ivoire.
“I have spoken to the Head Coach and the Captain, and also a good number of the players, and they have assured me of their determination to push strongly for triumph in Cote d’Ivoire, thereby winning the trophy for a fourth time.” He added that the NFF is very grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for approving funds for the team’s preparation and participation at the continental finals.
Sanwo-Olu harped on the fact that football is Nigeria’s biggest unifying factor, reiterating that “our peoples from different regions and religion, cultures, norms and social and economic backgrounds come together to cheer our National Teams whenever they are playing. Football brings us all together.
He said, “I am making a pledge to be personally present at the Africa Cup of Nations to support you. We know you are all geared to perform at the AFCON and make our country proud. We will give you all the support and encouragement that you require.”
Captain Ahmed Musa praised the power of football and said he is excited to hold the prized trophy again, even though he has experienced the satisfaction of winning the Africa Cup as a member of the winning team in South Africa in 2013.
He said, “We are ambitious and we will do our best. The AFCON is an important tournament for every African player, and we are all looking forward to giving our best to make the nation proud.”