Despite a narrow defeat in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final against Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has extended his commendation to the Super Eagles for their spirited performance. In a thrilling showdown at Alassanne Quattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, the Super Eagles initially took the lead with a goal from William Troost Ekong, only to be overtaken by the hosts, who secured victory with strikes from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller.
Addressing the team post match, Shettima expressed, We have given our all, and remember, the true tragedy isn’t failing to reach your goal but having no goal to strive for. Not achieving a dream isn’t a calamity, but not dreaming at all is. He highlighted the team’s achievement of finishing as the second best in Africa, amidst the early exits of other strong contenders like Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt.
Shettima’s words were a mix of consolation and pride, emphasizing the unifying power of the Super Eagles, You bring us together, transcending race and religion, especially when you play. The nation stands with you in solidarity, mourning the loss but celebrating the journey. Your efforts have not only brought us close to glory but have also united us.
He relayed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s regards and reassured the team of the nation’s pride in their efforts, There’s no need for sadness. We were jubilant just last Wednesday, and today, we stand proud, even in defeat. Football, in its essence, is unpredictable, but the trophy remains in Africa, symbolizing unity.
We look forward to correcting our mistakes and coming back stronger.
Shettima concluded with a promise of recognition and reward for the team’s dedication, Your names will be etched in gold in Nigeria’s football history. The nation will remember and reward your sacrifice. There’s no room for remorse; we have every reason to celebrate and look forward with hope.
Editorial
As we reflect on the Super Eagles’ journey through the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, it’s clear that their path was more than just a series of matches it was a testament to resilience, unity, and the indomitable spirit of Nigeria. Their performance, culminating in a hard fought final against Cote d’Ivoire, was a display of football at its finest filled with passion, skill, and the sheer unpredictability that makes the sport beloved worldwide.
The vice president’s address to the team was not just words of consolation but a powerful reminder of the role sports, particularly football, play in uniting a nation as diverse as Nigeria. In moments of victory and defeat, the Super Eagles have shown us the power of having a common goal, a dream that transcends individual aspirations and becomes a national endeavour.
This unity, sparked by the team’s efforts on the international stage, serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity in times of division. It reminds us that our strength lies in our diversity, our ability to come together under a common cause, and the shared joy and pain that sports can bring.
As we look ahead, the lessons from this tournament should guide us not just in sports but in every endeavour we undertake as a nation. The importance of setting goals, the resilience needed to overcome setbacks, and the spirit of unity in pursuit of a common dream are values that can propel Nigeria forward in all aspects.
Let us take pride in the Super Eagles’ achievements and see their journey as inspiring. Their performance is a reminder that while we may not always win, the courage to dream and the determination to pursue those dreams with all our might are what truly define us. As we celebrate their efforts, let’s also look forward to the future with optimism, knowing that with unity, resilience, and a shared vision, there’s no limit to what we can achieve together.
Did You Know?
- The Africa Cup of Nations AFCON was first held in 1957, making it one of the oldest continental football competitions in the world.
- Nigeria has won the AFCON title three times in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
- The Super Eagles’ nickname was inspired by Nigeria’s national emblem, which features an eagle.
- Cote d’Ivoire, the host and winner against Nigeria in the 2023 final, has won the AFCON title twice before, in 1992 and 2015.
- The Alassane Quattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, is one of the newest and most modern stadiums in West Africa, showcasing the region’s growing investment in sports infrastructure.
