The Super Eagles of Nigeria have attributed its success in the just concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), tagged Cote d’Ivoire 2023, to the solidarity of the team and the huge support from Nigerians.
The players also called on Nigerians to constructively criticise the team in future matches, while urging fans to consider the mental health of the players.
Speaking after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House on Tuesday, Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa expressed disappointment of the team to win the 2023 AFCON, saying that the team will be better prepared for the World Cup Qualifiers.
“We know that we are very disappointed with the result but there’s nothing we can do about this,” captain Musa said. “That’s what happens in football.”
“So now we have to go back and work ahead for the next AFCON and we have some more couple of games for the World Cup qualifiers so that is more important.”
“We appreciate all Nigerians for the massive support that they gave to us. It’s not that easy. We know everyone wants the cup but that is what Allah decided that is going to happen.”
Cyber Bullying
Speaking on the Cyber bullying against the Super Eagles Midfield player, Alex Iwobi, Captain Musa said that the internet trolls were not fair to Iwobi and that he did not deserve the internet bullying.
“I don’t think he (Iwobi) deserves what he is getting now because I think we have done our nation proud,” Musa added. “So we think everyone has to be proud of every one of us. But we saw on social media, that if you want to attack this just attack the team, not individual players.
Also reacting to the bullying against Iwobi, African Footballer of the year Victor Osimhen condemned the actions of the trolls saying that they should have considered the mental health of the player.
“I think to be fair, what they have done to Alex is out of this world and is not good,” Osimhen said. “They should also look at his mental health because some of us can take this to heart and then keep on grinding.”
“And there are some of us that he still gets to go ahead and they will lose focus and we lose form. So I think we are rallying around him, we have spoken to him individually and collectively. So I think he’s a strong dude and is ready to continue to give his all for his nation.”
Super Eagles Readiness For World Cup Qualifiers
Speaking on the Super Eagles’ readiness towards FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Osimhen said the goal of the Super Eagles is to secure the World Cup ticket.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria have the team and the best squad to achieve the target
“We are ready. I think now we just finished a tournament that is one of the hardest we have played in since I started my career,” Osimhen added. “Now we have to go back to our clubs to keep up the good work and hopefully, we get called up by our national team and give our all.”
“But of course, the goal is to get a ticket to the World Cup and I think we have the team and we have the squad to achieve this.”
National Honour, MON
Reacting to the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger MON, conferred on the Super Eagles and the managers, head coach José Peseiro, appreciated President Tinubu for the rousing welcome after the AFCON 2023 match, adding that the MON award remains an honour and pride to him.
“First of all like to say thank you to the President. I am 60 years old, this is the first time some president invited me to his house,” Peseiro said.
“Its an honour and a pride to me that the President of the Republic of Nigeria invited me to come here. Thank you very much.”
The head coach identified poor weather conditions as a critical factor that contributed to the loss of the team in the Cote d’Ivoire final match with the Nigerian Super Eagles.
“About the final, if you ask me, I think we did a fantastic job. Our team showed very good spirit and played well,” Peseiro said. “My boys did 100 per cent, same for my staff and the NFF, thank you to the players.”
“Of course, I would have liked to bring the cup to the Nigerian people, but i am sad about that. But of course, I am happy because I think we did a fantastic job. In the final I think we felt that atmosphere.”
President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, said the NFF will explore the FIFA window to provide the opportunity for qualifiers for the Super Eagles in June.
He further pledged the support of the NFF to the Super Eagles Coach.
“Ahead of the next World Cup qualifiers in June, we have a FIFA Window where we are trying to organise high-quality matches for the team in preparation for the match in June,” Gusau said.
“We will give the coach all the necessary support needed for us to ensure that our team is fit in the next round of qualifiers to ensure the team stay fit for the matches ahead.”
“This is a great day for all of us you can see how the President received the team and we are highly elated to say that we have been honoured with MON, to our entire team including me and my general secretary that is a great thing that has happen to this country.”
“This shows that Nigeria is really happy especially the President. We thank God for the support given to this team and by the grace of God we will continue to do our best to ensure that we make Nigerians happy through football,” Gusau concluded.
