From Magnus Eze, Enugu
Former Minister of Sports, Sen. Jim Nwobodo on Friday said Nigeria’s Super Eagles have, through their exploits in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, added more years to his life. The former governor of old Anambra State made particularly mention of the explosive semifinal match with South Africa which was decided through penalties.
Nwobodo was upbeat that the team would emerge victorious against the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire at the finals on Sunday. “It is with ultimate joy that I celebrate the indefatigable Super Eagles of Nigeria, who have made Nigerians of different age brackets proud with their victories in their matches in the 2024 African Cup of Nations tournament going on in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
“Their victory against South Africa on Wednesday made me younger with some nostalgia and took me back to the days when I was the Chairman of Rangers Football Club of Enugu, up to the time I was the Sports Minister.
“The boys have done Nigerians proud again. As I watched them play against South Africa in the semi final, I was elated and I’m sure that the boys I saw in the field will beat Ivory Coast in the finals to return the Champions Cup back to Nigeria for the fourth time.
“Nigeria has won AFCON cup for three times, that was in 1980, 1994 and in 2013. I know that the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire will try to put up some resistance in the final on Sunday, but their home advantage won’t count much, not even their two times victories of lifting the African Cup in 1992 and in 2015.
“Apart from the federal and state governments’ supports, other highly spirited Nigeria individuals have also shown tremendous support and as a sports administrator and enthusiast, I join millions of Nigerians and their friends to congratulate the Super Eagles for their good outing in the semi finals last Wednesday, making it to the finals in the tournament and I wish them success in the finals on Sunday,” the ex-minister stated.