Senate President Godswill Akpabio has encouraged the Super Eagles not to feel disheartened about falling short of securing the African Nations Cup in Cote d’Ivoire. He assured them that they are all champions for earning the silver medal in the tournament.
Senator Akpabio delivered this message during a meeting with other senators, where they welcomed the team’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, to his office in Abuja on February 14.
According to a statement from the Special Assistant to the Senate President on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong, the Senate President expressed that the Super Eagles had brought pride to the nation by reaching the final of the competition. He urged all Nigerians to offer the team the support and praise they deserve.
Akpabio said, “I see you all as Champions. You may not have won the ultimate prize but you made our country proud through your performance. Nigerians were very united in their support for you.
“You only lost the trophy but not the hearts of Nigerians. I want to challenge you and the rest of the team to work harder so that the next time you come here you will not only present me with the team’s jersey but also the trophy,” he said.
Responding the Super Eagles captain, Troost-Ekong said he would not have failed to visit the Senate President to thank him for his support for the team. He recalled how Senator Akpabio had travelled to Cote d’Ivoire to support the team.
“We thank you for your support and regret not winning the AFCON title. We promise to work harder to surpass our achievements by winning the gold medal in the next competition,” Ekong assured.