Vice-President of Nigeria Ibrahim Shettima stated that the team is proud of themselves despite losing 2-1 in the championship game.

The vice president praised the players for their devotion and hard work during the tournament as he spoke to them in the locker room.

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“We have tried our best and be rest assured that there is always the next time.

“You have to remember that the tragedy in life is not about failing to achieve your goals; rather, the tragedy is about not having any goals at all.

Not having a dream as you pass away is a tragedy, but not having any dreams at all is.

Several nations, including Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and others, withdrew from the competition two or three weeks ago.

“We have come this far, be rest assured that, we will come back stronger in the next edition.

“There is cause for celebration. We are second best in Africa

“You don’t have to be sad. We have every reason to celebrate.

“The nation is proud of you. You are the source of our unity.

“It is only when the Super Eagles are playing that we don’t talk about race or religion. You always unite the nation.

“I convey to you, the wish and regards from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. There is no need for you to be sad. On Wednesday, we were celebrating and we came so close today. We lost the game within just 15 minutes.

“That’s what football is all about. We must understand that whichever way the pendulum swings, the trophy is still for Africa.

“It is the Africa Cup of Unity and it came to West Africa.

“There is every cause for us to celebrate and rejoice. There is every cause for us to unite. Look at our mistakes and correct them in the next edition.

Although the country is grieving, it stands in solidarity with you.

You may be confident that your name will go down in football history as one of Nigeria’s greatest players.