Eko Hot Blog reports that President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead a presidential team to the final of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
The president’s directive is contained in a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), on Saturday.
Recall that Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), had claimed that Tinubu would be attending the match on Sunday.
The statement, which Motsepe made on Friday, had created the expectation that he was going to attend the match.
However, the Nigerian leader has directed the vice president, who also represented the president at the semi-finals when the Super Eagles defeated South Africa in a pulsating encounter, to lead the presidential time to attend the final match where Nigeria is hoping to win the ultimate prize.
The Nigerian national team is set to face host, Côte d’Ivoire, in a thrilling rematch at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday, February 11.
The match will rekindle the memories of Nigeria’s 1-0 victory in the group stage secured through Captain William Troost-Ekong’s penalty.
“Recognizing the unifying power of football and the immense role the Super Eagles play in fostering national pride and unity, the President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, believes that Vice President Shettima’s presence at the finals alongside the delegation is a testament to the government’s unwavering support for the team and its dedication to their success,” Nkwocha said.
“The federal government calls on all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to unite in support of the Super Eagles, and to raise their voices in encouragement, and create a wave of national pride that propels the team to glory.”
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