Senate President Godswill Akpabio has encouraged the Super Eagles not to be disheartened for not securing the African Nations Cup in Cote d’Ivoire, affirming that they were all Champions for earning the silver medal in the tournament.
Senator Akpabio conveyed the message when he, alongside other Senators, welcomed the team captain, William Troost-Ekong, to his office in Abuja on February 14.
According to a statement by the Special Assistant to the Senate President on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong, the Senate President emphasized that the Super Eagles had brought pride to the nation by reaching the final of the competition. He urged all Nigerians to show the team the support and commendation they deserve.
Akpabio remarked, “I see you all as Champions. You may not have won the ultimate prize but you made our country proud through your performance. Nigerians were very united in their support for you.
“You only lost the trophy but not the hearts of Nigerians. I want to challenge you and the rest of the team to work harder so that the next time you come here you will not only present me with the team’s jersey but also the trophy,” he said.
In response, Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong expressed gratitude for the Senate President’s support for the team. He recalled Senator Akpabio’s visit to Cote d’Ivoire to support the team.
“We thank you for your support and regret not winning the AFCON title. We promise to work harder to surpass our achievements by winning the gold medal in the next competition,” Ekong assured.
Senators in attendance at the reception included the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jubril; Senate Leader, Bamidele Opeyemi; Asuquo Ekpenyong, Adeola Olamilekan, William Eteng, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Tokunbo Abiru, among others.
