20th January, 2022
Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria, has commended the Super Eagles of Nigeria for keeping hope alive in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon by winning all their group matches and advancing to the second round of the tournament in grand style.
Jonathan, in a statement, released on Wednesday night said the Super Eagles performance was a clear demonstration of the Nigerian resilient spirit.
Jonathan said: “Well done NGSuperEagles for advancing to the knockout stage of #AFCON2021. This is a clear demonstration of the Nigerian resilient spirit. I wish them more victories in the games ahead and urge them to sustain this momentum as we aim for the ultimate prize.”
The Suger Eagles of Nigeria qualified for the knock-out stage of AFCON 2022 by securing all available points in the group stage.
They defeated Egypt by 1-0, thrashed Sudan by 3 goals to 1, and knocked out Guinea-Bissa by 2 goals to nothing.
The Nigerian team is also yet to concede a goal via open play.
Speaking after the game on Wednesday, coach Augustine Eguavoen said he told the players to express themselves and be committed.
He said “I told them you don’t have any other country to play for, it’s only Nigeria and you know how passionate our people are when it comes to football.
“And then, that game (Egypt) was gone. We had to put it behind us and then focus on the next game. Went ahead to beat Sudan and then put it behind us and then focus on the next game.
“Now, people are thinking and starting to respect Nigeria.”