The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, on Tuesday commended the Super Eagles of Nigeria for making the nation proud at the African Cup of Nations 2013.
Members of the national team along with their technical crew and officials of the Nigerian Football Federation arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Tuesday to a tumultuous crowd of jubilant supporters and residents of the FCT.
The Super Eagles had on Sunday night defeated Burkina Faso by a lone goal to become the African Champions for the third time.
Akinjide was elated by the fact that the senior national team was led to victory by a Nigerian coach, Stephen Keshi, and also assisted by Assistant Coach, Daniel Amokachi, a Nigerian.
She noted that the team, captained by Fenerbahçe of Turkey defender, Joseph Yobo, displayed a high level of commitment, dedication and patriotism.
According to the minister, the team’s victory at AFCON 2013 has restored the nation’s pride and positioned the country in its rightful place as “Giant of Africa in the area of football.”
Akinjide said: “The AFCON’s triumph, which is coming after 19 years, is an indication of a better future for the country. We need to remain focus, discipline and determine. Nigeria is surely getting better in the areas sports and the economy.
“I express my heartfelt congratulation to the coach and our spectacular Super Eagles, for making Nigeria proud. I enjoin all Nigerians to learn from the strong determination, the will to succeed and patriotic zeal that brought victory to the team and the Nation.”
Akinjide, who oversees the FCT Department of Sports in the Social Development Secretariat, urged the team not to rest on its oars but to strive and work towards achieving a similar feat at the forthcoming FIFA Confederation Cup and FIFA World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
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