Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-04 05:00:00
The match between Nigeria and Angola resonated deeply with the Nigerian people, reviving the spirit of late Samuel Okwaraji, who tragically died on the pitch during a Super Eagles encounter with Angola in 1989. The victory of Nigeria over Angola was a poignant reminder of the resilient spirit of Nigerian football, and the team paid tribute to Okwaraji’s memory by acknowledging his sacrifice and passion for the game.
Nigeria’s triumph in the quarter-final match against Angola was celebrated across the country, with people pouring into the streets to express their joy. The Super Eagles, while acknowledging the victory, also paid homage to Samuel Okwaraji, who collapsed and died while playing for the national team during a 1989 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Angola in Lagos.
In the wake of the victory, Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, congratulated the team and urged them to strive for victory in the semi-final and lift the trophy. This sentiment was echoed by many other prominent figures, including Senator Peter Obi and Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who expressed their pride and support for the Super Eagles.
The excitement and pride surrounding the victory extended beyond Nigeria’s borders, with Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, expressing his joy by exclaiming “Up Eagles, up Nigeria!”
The victory was also seen as a unifying force, with various political figures coming together to celebrate the triumph and express hope for the team’s continued success. Governor Simon Lalong emphasized the role of football as an instrument of peace and unity, emphasizing the joy and unity that sports like football can bring to the nation.
Prominent Nigérians, including political figures and public figures, rallied behind the Super Eagles, expressing their pride and support for the team. The memory of Samuel Okwaraji’s sacrifice and passion was honored, and the victory was seen as a testament to the resilience of Nigerian football. As the team progressed to the semi-finals, the hope and excitement for their success continued to grow, with supporters eagerly awaiting the outcome of the tournament.
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