The Minister of Sports Development, John Owan Enoh, has urged the Super Eagles to reawaken the spirit of 2013 by beating Cote d’Ivoire when they meet on Thursday.
The Eagles defeated their Ivorian counterparts 2-1 in the quarter-final of the 2013 AFCON in South Africa.
The minister said this in a statement by his spokesman, Kola Daniel, on Wednesday.
Mr Enoh charged the team to make amends for Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea by securing a victory against their hosts.
“Thursday’s game gives us an opportunity to make a statement, by going ahead to feast on the Elephants in their backyard. I am urging the Super Eagles to remain resolute, as we will be playing against 11 players on the pitch, the home fans and even the weather.
“We must be mentally superior for the entire duration of the game, as we need to secure a victory to boost our chances of advancing to the next round,” Mr Enoh said.
The minister said the government and people of Nigeria were behind the Super Eagles, who have always been a source of pride for the nation.
“I call upon each player to give their best on the field and make a lasting impression. Winning the second game against Cote d’Ivoire is not just a victory for the team but a statement of our football prowess on the continent.
“Nigeria defeated the Ivorians when no one gave them a chance against a star-studded Ivorian team back then in 2013. We held our own down that night in South Africa, playing against the golden generation of Ivorian football to claim a sweet 2-1 victory in the quarter-final,” he said.
He extended his best wishes to the coaching staff, support personnel, and the Nigerian football community.
Mr Enoh encouraged fans to rally behind the Super Eagles and create an atmosphere of unwavering support for them.
(NAN)
