In a fervent appeal, Chief Donatus Agu-Ejidike (JP) recognized as Nigeria’s Pillar of Sports, has implored the national football team, the Super Eagles, to aim for gold at the upcoming 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to kick off this Saturday in Cote d’Ivoire.
Addressing the media on Friday at the corporate headquarters of the Office of Nigeria’s Pillar of Sports in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital, Agu-Ejidike passionately urged the Super Eagles to channel their collective strength and replicate the glory of bygone eras when the mere mention of their name sent shivers down the spines of opposing teams.
The revered sports-loving business magnate, in a reflective mood, emphasized the need for the team to exhibit unity on the field, harking back to a time when the Super Eagles were a formidable force. Agu-Ejidike expressed his unwavering belief that the current squad possesses the quality to rekindle the spirit of those golden days.
The Super Eagles, slated to compete in the 34th AFCON hosted by Cote d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11, 2024, are set to embark on their campaign in Group A against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday. Subsequently, they will face the host nation, Cote d’Ivoire, in their second group stage match before concluding the group phase against Guinea Bissau.
Having clinched the AFCON title three times in the past (1980, 1994, and 2013), Nigeria aims for a fourth triumph, and Agu-Ejidike is confident in the team’s potential. He pointed to the individual successes of Nigerian players in their respective club performances, emphasizing the recent CAF awards in Morocco where Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala were crowned African Footballers of the Year in the male and female categories, respectively.
Agu-Ejidike called upon the Super Eagles’ players to recognize the honor bestowed upon them to represent the nation, urging them to prioritize the team’s success over individual accolades. The sports philanthropist, originally from Nnewi, stressed the importance of unity and team spirit to make the national team the standout star of the tournament.
In closing, Agu-Ejidike appealed to Nigerians to rally behind the Super Eagles, offering prayers and support to both the players and the technical crew. He acknowledged that hard work, when complemented by luck, could play a pivotal role in the team’s quest for glory, fostering a sense of national unity and pride in the process.
