AFCON 2023: We are ambitious to make Nigerians proud — Musa

Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has said the team is very ambitious to make Nigeria proud as the 34th Africa Cup of Nations kicks off this weekend in Ivory Coast.

Musa acknowledged the power of football and stated that even though he knows the joy of winning the Africa Cup trophy, having been part of the squad that triumphed in South Africa in 2013, he is eagerly anticipating another touch of the coveted trophy.

“We are ambitious and we will do our best. The AFCON is an important tournament for every African player, and we are all looking forward to giving our best to do the nation proud,” he said.

During the send-forth dinner hosted by the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who harped on the fact that football is Nigeria’s biggest unifying factor, reiterating that “our peoples from different regions and religion, cultures, norms and social and economic backgrounds come together to cheer our National Teams whenever they are playing. Football brings us all together.

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“I am making a pledge to be personally present at the Africa Cup of Nations to support you. We know you are all geared to perform at the AFCON and make our country proud. We will give you all the support and encouragement that you require,” he said.

The President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau told the audience that he has the assurance of the Head Coach, Jose Peseiro, and the top players that they are going on an onslaught for a fourth continental title in Cote d’Ivoire.

“I have spoken to the Head Coach and the Captain, and also a good number of the players, and they have assured me of their determination to push strongly for triumph in Cote d’Ivoire, thereby winning the trophy for a fourth time,” he said.

In the same vein, Senator Enoh charged the players to approach each of their matches with the fabled Nigerian Spirit, with which they can always surmount obstacles, odds and hurdles and achieve glory.

The three-time champions Nigeria arrived in the Ivorian capital, Abidjan yesterday with the contingent dressed in Nigeria traditional kaftan attire with cap to match.