Super Eagles source of national unity, no cause to be sad —Shettima

Super Eagles source of national unity, no cause to be sad —Shettima

Samuel Abodunrin

The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima has admonished the Nigeria Super Eagles to cheer up and rejoice as the national team is a source of national unity.

Addressing the Super Eagles camp after 2-1 final lose to the host nation Ivory Coast in the AFCON 2023, the Vice President acknowledged the efforts of the team stating that some countries exited the competition weeks ago but Super Eagles came very close and will come stronger in the next edition. According to him, Nigeria is the second best in Africa and the nation is proud of the feat.

He said “you are the source of our national unity, it’s when the Super Eagles plays, no race, no region, no religion, you unite the nation. The nation is in grief but the nation is in solidarity with you.”

Shettima also mentioned that the most important thing is that Africa wins as the competition is Africa Unity Cup.

He called for everyone to unite and emphasized that the players will be rewarded for their sacrifices after leaving their clubs to represent their country.

The Super Eagles lost the final game to the host nation Ivory Coast in a very competitive final, with the host coming from behind to beat Nigeria 2-1 with Franck Kessie equalizing in the 62 minute with a fine header after Troost Ekong has given Nigeria the lead with a stunning header in first half.

Simon Adingra delivered a scintillating cross to invite Sebastian Haller who beat the Eagles defense to slot home the winner in the 81st minute, a goal which broke the hearts of many Nigerians home and abroad and gave Ivory Coast their first AFCON win from open play.

All late efforts by the Super Eagles to come back and stun the home crowd of about 52,000 thousand spectators proved abortive as the Elephant of Ivory Coast remained resolute in defense to secure a host to win story in the AFCON 2023.