The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Super Eagles

  • 2026 World Cup: NFF to shop for  friendlies  for Super Eagles

    2026 World Cup: NFF to shop for  friendlies  for Super Eagles

    President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has said the Federation would explore the FIFA Window to provide opportunity for  test matches ahead of Super Eagles’  World Cup qualifiers in June.

    Speaking  after  the national team was  hosted and honoured  by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja yesterday, Gusau further pledged the support of the NFF to the Super Eagles coach , saying  that the NFF will  offer the national team all the desired support.

     “Ahead of World Cup qualifiers, next qualifier for the World Cup in June, we have a FIFA Window that we are trying to organize high-quality matches for the team for them to prepare for the match in June.

    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.

    Read Also: AFCON: Asisat Oshoala defends Iwobi, lambasts Tunde Ednut, VeryDarkMan

    “That shows that Nigeria are 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,” he said.

    In a related development,  Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen , has expressed the readiness of the Super Eagles for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

    “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,” he said. “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 also.

    “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, ” he added.

  • Onjeh commends Tinubu for ‘well-deserved’ reward of Super Eagles

    Onjeh commends Tinubu for ‘well-deserved’ reward of Super Eagles

    Benue South senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the 2023 general elections, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his heart-warming reception and generous rewards on the Super Eagles after their return from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

    “President Tinubu’s gesture in personally receiving the Super Eagles and honouring them each with the National Award of the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and gifts of plots of land in Abuja is not only commendable but also deeply appreciated.

    “This act exemplifies true leadership and recognition of exceptional performance that serves as a source of national pride,’’ Onjeh stated.

    He lauded the President for acknowledging the team’s unwavering spirit and dedication throughout the tournament.

    “The Super Eagles, despite the ultimate outcome, displayed remarkable talent, sportsmanship, and an unwavering fighting spirit that captivated the entire nation,” he said.

    “Their efforts galvanized the country, united Nigerians across divides, and rekindled a powerful sense of patriotism like never before.”

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa vows to curtail security threat

    He further emphasised the team’s unifying role, stating, “The Super Eagles are arguably the single strongest force that unites Nigerians. They embody the very essence of what it means to be Nigerian: tenacity, excellence, relentlessness, hard work, talent, and perseverance. Their determination and fighting spirit resonate deeply with every Nigerian, serving as a constant reminder of what we can achieve when we come together as one nation.”

    Onjeh, the former Chairman of the Governing Board of PRODA, Enugu, also extended appreciation to the team’s coaching staff, acknowledging their crucial role in shaping the team’s performance.

    “We must not forget the invaluable contribution of the coaching staff who tirelessly guided and molded the players into the formidable team we witnessed on the field,” he added.

    “President Tinubu’s recognition of the Super Eagles goes beyond individual rewards; it serves as a powerful message to all Nigerians that excellence and dedication will be recognised and celebrated.”

    He argued: “This act will undoubtedly inspire future generations to strive for greatness and contribute to the progress of our nation.”

  • PHOTOS: Tinubu confers MON honour on Super Eagles players

    PHOTOS: Tinubu confers MON honour on Super Eagles players

    President Bola Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) on all Super Eagles team members in appreciation of their performance at the just concluded CAF 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    In further recognition of their achievement, the federal government, represented by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has granted each member of the team a plot of land as well as a flat with the location yet to be announced.

    Read Also: Super Eagles weren’t encouraging throughout AFCON tournament, says Blaqbonez

  • BREAKING: Tinubu honours Super Eagles with MON award

    BREAKING: Tinubu honours Super Eagles with MON award

    President Bola Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) on all Super Eagles team members in appreciation of their performance at the just concluded CAF 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    In further recognition of their achievement, the federal government, represented by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has granted each member of the team a plot of land as well as a flat with the location yet to be announced.

    President Tinubu, who received the national football team, expressed pride in the team, acknowledging their role in fostering unity within the country through their remarkable performance.

    Read Also: AFCON 2023: Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ tenacious outing

    Despite finishing second, he encouraged them to hold their heads high and maintain their team spirit.

    Troost Ekong, the team’s assistant captain and recipient of the 2023 CAF AFCON Most Valuable Player, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support, expressing a desire to present a trophy rather than silver medals.

    Details shortly…

  • BREAKING: Tinubu receives Super Eagles at the Villa

    BREAKING: Tinubu receives Super Eagles at the Villa

    President Bola Tinubu is currently receiving the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja.

    The reception is following their tenacious performance in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

    All the team members and officials were in attendance including Alex Iwobi, who had faced cyber-attacks following Nigeria’s loss to Cote D’Ivoire at the final of the just concluded African Cup of Nations.

    It would be recalled that President Tinubu had in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, commended the team, the coach, the crew, and the entire management team for their performance at the tournament.

    Read Also: Super Eagles weren’t encouraging throughout AFCON tournament, says Blaqbonez

    The president had also urged Nigerians to be of good cheer, emphasising that we won a great victory in the hearts of Africa and the world by our grit, rigour, and determination in the field of play.

    He said: “Let this passing event not dispirit us, but bring us together to work harder. We are a great nation bound as one by the green-white-green banner of resilience, joy, hope, duty, and untiring love.

    “To those cherished Nigerian youths expressing their gifts in communities, drawing lines in the sand as they play football in their humble rectangles of play, you can be our heroes tomorrow, do not relent in your pursuit. My administration is here to make dreams come true,” the President had said.

    Details shortly…

  • AFCON: FG hosts welcome breakfast for Super Eagles

    AFCON: FG hosts welcome breakfast for Super Eagles

    The 25-man Super Eagles squad on Tuesday, February 13, returned to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, following their second-place finish in the recently concluded African Cup of Nations final.

    The Nation reported that Nigeria lost 2-1 to host nation Cote D’Ivoire in the AFCON final at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday, February 11.

    Key players, including Alex Iwobi, Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, Ola Aina, Frank Onyeka, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman, Kenneth Omeruo, Joe Aribo, and Williams Trost Ekong, are currently attending a welcome breakfast at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

    Read Also: AFCON 2023: Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ tenacious outing

    Members of the coaching staff are also in attendance at the breakfast event.

  • AFCON: Super Eagles return after final loss

    AFCON: Super Eagles return after final loss

    The 25-man Super Eagles squad that travelled to Cotê D’Ivoire has returned to the Federal Capital Territory after their second-place finish at the recently-concluded African Cup of Nations.

    Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Sports, Diana-Mary Nsan, announced this in a video on Instagram on Tuesday.

    She wrote: “At 12:30 am, the Super Eagles landed home, led by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, the NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

    Read Also: Super Eagles weren’t encouraging throughout AFCON tournament, says Blaqbonez

    ”On the tarmac, we had the GS of the NFF Dr Sanusi and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Mrs Watti among others.#AFCON2023 #SuperEagles”

    The Nation reported that the Eagles lost 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 African Cup of Nations capping an incredible campaign at the continental tournament.

  • AFCON: Super Eagles return to Abuja today

    AFCON: Super Eagles return to Abuja today

    Super Eagles executives and players are scheduled to arrive in Abuja today, Monday, February 12, from Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

    The Africa Nations Cup 2023 silver medallists, Super Eagles of Nigeria, will depart Abidjan at 2.45 pm local time (3.45 pm Nigerian time).

    The team’s media officer, Babafemi Raji, issued the team’s schedule on Monday morning.

    It states that all players and officials would depart from the Pullman Hotel headquarters for the airport at 2:00 PM Nigerian time.

    Read Also: I want Peseiro to win AFCON, says Mourinho, backs Super Eagles

    The Eagles are expected to come in a chartered flight with a reception awaiting the players and officials in Abuja.

    Nigeria lost their only game of the competition to the Elephants in the final of the continental football competition on Sunday night at the Olympic Stadium, Abidjan.

  • AFCON 2023: Super Eagles have won our hearts — Sports minister

    AFCON 2023: Super Eagles have won our hearts — Sports minister

    The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, says the Super Eagles have won the hearts of Nigerians with their brilliant performance at the just concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

    Enoh hailed the performance of the team at the AFCON, culminating in a silver medal and just missing out on the coveted trophy by whiskers.

    “We have reached the end of AFCON 2023, and I want to express my gratitude to the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the entire team who brought us this far.

    “I applaud your commitment to winning, which led us to the finals,” he said.

    The minister said the resilience of the team had evoked the admiration of the entire nation.

    Read Also: SUPER EAGLES TRACKER: Arokodare , Orban, Ejuke shine  for  European clubs

    “We present you with your well-deserved accolades for standing for Nigeria until the end.

    “We are proud of you, You took the Silver, and we congratulate you and wish you all the best,” Enoh said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that hosts Cote D’Ivoire came from a goal down to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in a pulsating final on Sunday in Abidjan, to lift the AFCON trophy for the third time. (NAN)

  • AFCON: Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ tenacious outing

    AFCON: Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ tenacious outing

    President Bola Tinubu has hailed the Super Eagles for their performance and tenacity at the just concluded 2023 CAF African Cup of Nations (AfCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. 

    Nigeria failed to lift the Cup of Nations, having lost 1-2 to the host nation,  Cote d’Ivoire, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, on Sunday night. 

    However, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to be of good cheer despite the loss, noting that the Eagles’ grit and sheer determination throughout the tournament had won the hearts of Africa and the entire world. 

    “President Bola Tinubu salutes the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their tenacious performance in the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. 

    “President Tinubu commends the team, the coach, the crew, and the entire management team for their hard work, assiduity, and sacrifice to come this far in the tournament, acknowledging the hurdles they consistently surpassed with steadily improving performance as they pulled through to the finals.

    “The President urges Nigerians to be of good cheer, emphasizing that we won a great victory in the hearts of Africa and the world by our grit, rigour, and determination in the field of play”, the statement said.

    The President, according to the statement, urged Nigerians not to let the loss dispirit them, but let the experience bring them together to work harder, encouraging young citizens, aspiring to bring glory to the country through football not to be deterred as his administration is working to make their dreams come true. 

    “Let this passing event not dispirit us, but bring us together to work harder. We are a great nation, bound as one by the green-white-green banner of resilience, joy, hope, duty, and untiring love. 

    “To those cherished Nigerian youths expressing their gifts in communities, drawing lines in the sand as they play football in their humble rectangles of play, you can be our heroes tomorrow, do not relent in your pursuit. My administration is here to make dreams come true,” the President said .