The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has charged the Super Eagles to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco as compensation to Nigerians for the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Dikko gave the charge on Monday in Abuja while addressing sports stakeholders on the sidelines of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).
He said President Bola Tinubu had directed that the Super Eagles must channel the disappointment of missing the World Cup into a renewed determination to lift the continental title.
“The message from Mr President is very clear. The Super Eagles must do everything possible to win the AFCON and compensate Nigerians for not qualifying for the 2026 World Cup,” Dikko said.
The NSC chairman cautioned against complacency, stressing that strong performances in the group stage must not distract the team from its ultimate objective.
“We have seen this happen before; you can play very well in the group stage and lose focus in the knockout rounds.
“That lesson must guide us this time,” he said.
Dikko noted that the team was currently well placed and understood the task ahead, adding that finishing second would not be considered success.
“The only way we can say we are successful this time is if we do better than last time.
“The target is to lift the trophy,” he said.
He commended the Super Eagles for their recent performances, describing their last outing as one of their best displays in a long time.
The NSC boss urged them to remain disciplined and focused throughout the competition.
Dikko also dismissed concerns over the welfare of the team, assuring that the head coach and officials were being paid as at when due.
“There is no issue with the coach’s salary because payments are up to date.
“The focus now is football and delivering the AFCON trophy for Nigeria,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government and the NSC to provide full support to the team as the tournament progressed in Morocco.
(NAN)
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