Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, praised the Super Eagles on their victory over Angola in the quarter-finals on Friday night.
Ademola Lookman, an Atalanta winger, scored in the 41st minute to give Nigeria its first and only goal in the game, securing a spot in the semifinals.
Obi stated that Nigeria’s qualification for the semi-finals of the ongoing All African Cup of Nations, AFCON, shows that the country would overcome all adversity.
The former Anambra state governor offered his heartfelt congratulations in a message to the Super Eagles via his official Twitter account.
He also stated that the success of the national football team would inspire residents to overcome all obstacles, resulting in the emergence of an entirely new Nigeria.
Obi said: “It was truly a delightful and uplifting experience for me today, as I joined other Nigerians to watch Nigeria’s National Team, the Super Eagles, live in Abidjan, Ivory Coast Capital, as they cruised to the semi-final of the ongoing AFCON tournament.
“As always, our dear team, with the strength of an eagle, flew us into the semi-finals, victoriously with a delightful show of patriotism and professionalism. I heartily congratulate our national team, the Super Eagles, for their electrifying performance.
“The energy, passion, and composure they brought into the game were admirable and befitting of our great nation. Their victory today, and in the future, is our victory as a nation. We remain a nation of winners, that no matter how dark the night has been in our land, we will triumph over all our challenges into the New Nigeria of our dreams.
“I must equally salute the excellent sportsmanship of the Angolan team. As fellow Africans, they played a good game and lost gallantly. Congratulations Super Eagles. Congratulations Nigeria.”