The Honourable Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh, has tasked Nigeria’s Senior Men’s National Team, known as the Super Eagles, with bringing home the trophy at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) by instilling in the team a spirit of resiliency and unity.

Senator Enoh gave a motivational speech during the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF)-hosted goodbye dinner for the team.

He stressed the significance of representing Nigeria with pride by donning the Nigerian badge during the competition.

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He exhorted the players to play not just for themselves but also for their families and the country as a whole, encouraging them to embrace the Nigerian motto of “never say die.”

“With over 200 million Nigerians eagerly watching and supporting, your performance holds the hopes and dreams of our entire nation,” he stated, highlighting the immense significance of the team’s representation on the continental stage.

Recognising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s all-encompassing assistance in guaranteeing the team’s preparedness, the Minister exhorted the Super Eagles to grasp every chance from the opening encounter.

“Take the fight to your opponents and show the Naija Spirit that you carry,” he charged.

In an effort to keep the team motivated and focused, Senator Enoh personally committed to being in Ivory Coast to provide on-the-ground support and collaborate closely with the NFF.

“I assure you of undistracted support and endeavor to secure all that is rightfully yours, ensuring your representation of the fatherland is marked by your commitment.”

Nigeria is attempting to win its fourth continental championship, following its victories in 1980, 1994, and 2013.

On Sunday, January 14, the Super Eagles will square off against Equatorial Guinea in their first match before facing the Cote D’Ivoire Elephants four days later.

On January 22, it will play its final group matchup against the Guinea-Bissau Wild Dogs.