Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-11 04:40:34
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has opted to send his Vice, Kashim Shettima, as the leader of a presidential delegation to the final of the 34th Africa Cup of Nations, which is set to take place today in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
Earlier reports had suggested that Tinubu himself would attend the final in order to support the Super Eagles as they face off against the host team, the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire. However, a statement released by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Office of the Vice-President, Stanley Nkwocha, has clarified that this will not be the case.
Today’s final, which will be held at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, is the second meeting between these two teams in this year’s AFCON. The Super Eagles previously triumphed over the Elephants with a 1-0 victory during the group stage.
According to Nkwocha, this match will serve as an opportunity to relive Nigeria’s 1-0 win against the hosts in the group stage, a victory that was secured through Captain William Troost-Ekong’s penalty. He also stated that Tinubu firmly believes that Shettima’s presence at the final, alongside the delegation, is a demonstration of the government’s unwavering support for the team and its commitment to their success.
“In light of this, the Federal Government is calling on all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to come together in support of the Super Eagles,” Nkwocha said. “The government is also urging all Nigerians to vocalize their encouragement and foster a sense of national pride that will propel the team to victory.”
It is worth noting that Shettima had previously stood in for Tinubu during the semifinal, in which the Super Eagles emerged victorious over the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
