Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has commended the Super Eagles for their unrelenting show of strength during the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 against Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday.
Otti gave the commendation in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kazie Uko, made available to newsmen on Monday in Umuahia.
The governor said the Super Eagles gave an outstanding performance in spite of the intimidating roars of the home crowd, which was motivated by the presence of the Ivorian President, Alassane Ouattara.
He further commended the Super Eagles for making the country proud by striving to make it to the finals of the competition.
Otti said: “Even though the Super Eagles came short of lifting the trophy, the players gave their best and succeeded in further strengthening the nation’s image as a formidable force in African football.
“Host Cote d’Ivoire came from behind to beat Nigeria 2-1 at the final of the biennial competition concluded inside the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, capital of Cote d’ivoire, on Sunday,” Otti said.
He congratulated Samuel Chukwueze, Kenneth Omeruo and Frank Ogochukwu Onyeka, who were sons of Abia and part of the Super Eagles team to the AFCON game.
The governor praised Chukwueze for providing the assistance through which captain Troost Ekong put Nigeria in the lead with a header, shortly before the end of the first half of the game.
He thanked Nigerians for the massive support they gave to the Super Eagles throughout the competition.
Otti also commended the technical crew of the team and the Nigerian Football Federation for their efforts, which helped to take Nigeria to the AFCON finals.