Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has called on the Super Eagles to stay focused on the path of victory as they trade tackles with their Angola counterparts at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Ivory Coast.
The special adviser, media to the minister, Diana-Mary Nsan, in a statement signed and made available to Sporting Tribune, said the fate of millions of Nigerians rests on the shoulders of the players while urging them to imbibe the never-say-die Nigerian spirit that has seen them conquer old foes like the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and the Elephants of Ivory Coast.
“You outclassed and thumped an old foe who came into the party determined to halt your resolute march towards clinching the coveted trophy.
“You have given a good account of yourselves so far. Let me quickly remind you that the job is not yet done and will be done when you bring the highly sought-after trophy back home as a worthy African champion.
“Your determination, commitment and improvement through every match have shown all the possibilities that the team has all it takes to win the 2023 African Cup of Nations. We completely believe in you.
“Fate and the dream of well-meaning Nigerians has thrust this responsibility on your shoulders. You should seize this moment and do our nation proud by “Doing it again”.
Sporting Tribune recall that Nigeria won the AFCON in 1980 defeating Algeria at the National Stadium, Lagos, in 1994 against Zambia and in 2013 against Burkina Faso to win the coveted trophy for the third time.