Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau and (Chairman of BUA Group), Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu have commended the performance of the Super Eagles’ sheer commitment, sense of purpose, passion, discipline, patriotic fervour and resilience in their semi final match against the Atlas Lions of Morocco despite their loss to the host by 4 goals to 2 after penalty shoot out.
Gusau urged the players 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,” Gusau said.
On his part, Alhaji Rabiu praised 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.
He said, “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.”
