Tag: Super Eagles

  • AFCON2023: Minister Of Sports Development Sends Heartfelt Message To Super Eagles Ahead Of Quarterfinal Clash

    AFCON2023: Minister Of Sports Development Sends Heartfelt Message To Super Eagles Ahead Of Quarterfinal Clash

    The Honorable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh on Thursday the first of February sent a heartfelt message to the Super Eagles of Nigeria  as a compatriot.

    The Nigerian National Team the Super Eagles is expected to play the National team of Angola, Palancas Negras  today the second of February 2024 , in the Quarter Finals of the ongoing African Cup of Nations, Cote D’Ivoire 2023.

    Senator John Enoh’s succinct Letter congratulated the Eagles on their victory at the round of sixteen against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and applauded the improvements of the National team during the match.
    “You outclassed and thumped an old foe who came into the party determined to halt your resolute  march towards clinching the coveted trophy”.

    The Minister urged the team to stay the path of victory reminding them that the task is not yet completed.

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    “… you have given a good account of yourselves so far, let me quickly remind you that the job is not yet done, and will be done when you bring the highly sought after trophy back home as worthy African Champions.

    “Your determination, commitment and improvement through every match has shown all the possibilities that the team has all it takes to win the 2023 African Cup of Nations. We completely believe in you.”

    “Fate and the dream of well-meaning Nigerians have thrust this responsibility on your shoulders, you should seize this moment and do our Nation proud  by “Doing it again”.

    Nigeria won the AFCON in 1980 defeating Algeria, in 1994 against Zambia to clinch the cup and in 2013 against Burkina Faso to conquer the continent.

    Senator John Enoh reverberated the profound impact the victory of the Super Eagles would bring to the nation without mincing words.

  • Resilience, Determination and Fighting Spirit of the Super Eagles Paid Off Against Cameroon – Senator John Enoh

    Resilience, Determination and Fighting Spirit of the Super Eagles Paid Off Against Cameroon – Senator John Enoh

    …Expresses full faith in the team to go all the way

    The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has praised the exceptional performance of Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their 2-0 triumph over Cameroon during their Round of 16 clash at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

    Enoh said the victory showcased the team’s undiluted resilience, determination, and fighting spirit.

    “The resilience, determination, and fighting spirit of Nigeria’s Super Eagles paid off in a spectacular fashion on Saturday evening. The team’s commitment to excellence and unity was evident, and I commend each player for their exceptional performance,” said Senator John Owan Enoh.

    The Minister highlighted the significance of the victory not only for the team but for the entire nation.

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    “This win is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent that our nation possesses. It not only brings joy to football fans across the country but also enhances Nigeria’s reputation on the international stage,” he added.

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles will now face Angola in the quarter-finals on Friday, February 2. Senator John Enoh expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to continue their impressive run in the tournament.

    “As we look ahead to the quarter-finals, I have full faith in the Super Eagles. Their journey so far has showcased their resilience and unity. I encourage them to maintain this momentum and give their best in the upcoming matches,” Senator John Enoh remarked.

    The Minister concluded by thanking the coaching staff, support personnel, and fans for their support. “Together, we celebrate this victory and anticipate more memorable moments in the exciting journey of the Super Eagles at AFCON 2023,” he stated.

  • AFCON2023: Sports Minister  Charges the Super Eagles to take on the Knockout Phase as Battle

    AFCON2023: Sports Minister  Charges the Super Eagles to take on the Knockout Phase as Battle

    The Honorable Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh has enthused the Super Eagles ahead of their next match ,round of 16 in the ongoing African Cup of Nations AFCON taking place in Ivory Coast.

    Senator John Owan-Enoh has urged the team to redouble their efforts as Nigerians back home are rooting for them. The Minister delivered the message on Thursday via a zoom meeting with the team as they prepare to face Cameroon on Saturday in the continental showpiece that is taking place in Ivory Coast.

    He informed the players that President Bola Tinubu was following their matches keenly, even as the President looks forward to improved performance in their round of 16 games.

    “The President is actually watching the matches that you are playing and he is urging you and also showing an understanding of the game. He knows there was a lot of cautiousness at the group stages, and from the round of 16 there is going to be a more  impressive performance”.

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    Senator John Enoh added “I also need to communicate to you the mood back home. Every Nigerian is rooting for you. Every Nigerian is believing that you are going to do it again; like the slogan of the NFF.”

    The Minister advised the players to listen to the coach’s instructions, adding that “there’s nobody that wants to win this tournament as much as the Nigerian coach, Peseiro.” He also urged the players to be focused and not allow social media frenzy distract them.

    The Minister further stated that the tournament presents an opportunity for the players to carve a niche for themselves and thereby take their football career to the next level. With a passionate appeal to the team to win their match against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, Owan-Enoh expressed confidence in the capacity of the Super Eagles to win the 2023 African Cup of Nations.

    Responding on behalf of the team, Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, while thanking the Minister for the words of encouragement, said that it would be nice to have the president in Ivory Coast to watch and cheer them to victory.

  • Sports Minister Charges Super Eagles To Go For Gold In Cote D’Ivoire

    Sports Minister Charges Super Eagles To Go For Gold In Cote D’Ivoire

    …Sues for spirit of resilience, togetherness and patriotism

    As Nigeria’s Senior Men’s National team, the Super Eagles prepare to take on the rest of the continent at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Honourable Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh has charged the team to imbibe the spirit of resilience and togetherness in order to bring the trophy home.

    In an inspiring address during the team’s farewell dinner, Senator Enoh emphasized the importance of wearing the Nigerian badge with patriotism at the tournament. He urged the team to embody the “never say die” spirit of Nigeria, reminding them to play not only for themselves but also for their families and the nation at large.

    “With over 200 million Nigerians eagerly watching and supporting, your performance holds the hopes and dreams of our entire nation,” he stated, highlighting the immense significance of the team’s representation on the continental stage.

    Acknowledging the comprehensive support provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in ensuring the team’s readiness, the Minister urged the Super Eagles to seize every opportunity from the very first game.

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    “Take the fight to your opponents and show the Naija Spirit that you carry,” he charged.

    Expressing personal commitment, Senator Enoh pledged his presence in Ivory Coast to offer on-ground support and work closely with the NFF to maintain focus and motivation within the team.

    “I assure you of undistracted support and endeavor to secure all that is rightfully yours, ensuring your representation of the fatherland is marked by your commitment.”

    In attendance, the Governor of Lagos State and his dear wife who  hosted the dinner , the Super Eagles players,Coach and technical team members ,the NFF president  Ibrahim Musa Gusau and members of the board,past president of the NFF Amaju Pinnick,  corporate organisations, gentlemen of the press amongst others

    Nigeria is hunting for its fourth continental glory, after the triumphs of 1980, 1994, and 2013. The Super Eagles will ruffle feathers against Equatorial Guinea in its first game on Sunday, January 14th, before wrestling against the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire four days later. Its last group game will be against the Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau on January 22nd.

  • Nigeria Vs Lesotho: Sports Minister Reacts Over Super Eagles Draw In Uyo, Charges Team To Do Better In Sunday’s Game

    Nigeria Vs Lesotho: Sports Minister Reacts Over Super Eagles Draw In Uyo, Charges Team To Do Better In Sunday’s Game

    On Thursday the 16th of November 2023, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, I joined sports loving Nigerians to watch and cheer the Super Eagles of Nigeria play against the  Likuena” (Crocodiles) of Lesotho.

    A clean sheet and goals was not  too much to expect from our National team given our FIFA ranking and pedigree in football, matched against the Lesotho team especially.

    I must say, that our expectations were high, albeit the performance of the Super Eagles against Lesotho fell short.

    The Government and football loving people of Nigeria take the qualification for the 2026 World Cup very seriously and want the Super Eagles to qualify.Having missed out on the 2022 world cup in Qatar ,qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is not negotiable.

    I urge the Nigeria Football Federation to look into and correct all the lapses observed in Thursdays match with the aim of putting in a much better performance in Rwanda on Sunday,the 19th of November 2023 against Zimbabwe.

    Furthermore, we understand that the qualifiers are a FIFA organized competition, and so the television broadcasting rights are in the World football governing body’s purview.Granted, the Ministry is taking appropriate steps in response to this situation.

    It is not good enough that Nigerians could not watch their National team play in their country. A repeat of same should be avoided and NFF will be expected to register Nigeria’s displeasure with the appropriate authority in FIFA.

    We apologize to Nigerians ,most of whom anticipated to watch the game on television.

    Moving on, I charge the Super Eagles of Nigeria to be more incisive for the rest of the qualifying series.
    Nigerians are all rooting for your success.

    Signed:

    Senator John Owan Enoh
    Honourable Minister of Sports Development.
    17-11-2023