PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has commended the Super Eagles of Nigeria after they advanced to the final of the AFCON 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
The three-time African champions defeated South Africa 4-2 on penalties after their semi-final clash in Bouake ended 1-1 in full-time and extra-time.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the hero for the Super Eagles, saving two of South Africa’s four kicks as his teammates scored four of the five they took during the penalty shootout.
“From the Southernmost cape of Africa to the Plains of Mauritania and the coast of West Africa….You have made us all Proud to be Nigerians!” Tinubu posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, moments after the Super Eagles’ victory on Wednesday night.
“Go… Soar in the AFCON Finals. Well done, boys!”
Sports minister John Enoh also hailed the Super Eagles for their ‘Nigerian spirit’ during the tense semi-final encounter.
“My dear Super Eagles, today you have given every Nigerian Compatriot a reason to rejoice. We all doff our hats to you,” Enoh wrote on X.
“You have shown us all that the Nigerian spirit is a winning spirit. You are conquering the continent one match at a time. Bravo, heroes of our time!
“You have set your goals high and you have not stopped. Keep soaring and bring home the Africa Cup of Nations.
Unto the Finals. Congratulations!!!”
The Super Eagles will face hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the final on Sunday at the Alassane Outtara Stadium in Abijdan after the Elephants defeated Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in the second semi-final.
