President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has reportedly expressed his dissatisfaction with the Super Eagles’ performance during the group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire. Tinubu’s concerns were conveyed to the players during a Zoom meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh.
Despite securing a spot in the knockout round by finishing second in Group A behind Equatorial Guinea, President Tinubu, through the Sports Minister, expressed disappointment with the team’s display, particularly in their last group match against Guinea-Bissau.
Enoh shared the president’s sentiments during the meeting, revealing Tinubu’s message: “Tell our players I wasn’t too impressed in our last match, but I know that now that they are off the Group stages, I know they are going to impress me more and more.”
Emphasizing Tinubu’s active interest, Enoh stated, “The president is actually watching your matches and he is urging you. He knows that from the Round of 16, the Super Eagles are going to be more and more impressive.”
Drawing inspiration from Egypt’s performance in the 2022 AFCON, Enoh encouraged the players, reminding them of the country’s support: “Every Nigerian is rooting for you and believing you are going to do it again like the slogan of the NFF.”
The Super Eagles are set to face Cameroon in the round of 16 on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 9 pm Nigerian time, and President Tinubu expects an improved performance from the team in the upcoming match