President Goodluck Jonathan has called on all Nigerians to imbibe the positive lessons of the Super Eagles’ inspiring victory at the African Cup of Nations 2013 stating that “the fulfilment of the country’s immense potentials for greatness will be more speedily attained if more Nigerians resolve to emulate the team’s exemplary unity of purpose, dedication, commitment and devotion to service of the nation.”
The President made this known in a swift congratulatory message to the Super Eagles and all Nigerians immediately after the final match against the Stallions of Burkina Faso ended in favour of Nigeria.
President Jonathan in a statement signed by his special adviser on media and publicity; Dr Reuben Abati, “thanked Coach Stephen Keshi and all members of the team who have worked very hard and played with great focus, dedication, artistry and patriotism to make Nigeria the proud champions of Africa once again after 19 years of setbacks in the competition.”
According to the statement, “President Jonathan believes that the team’s amazing transformation from rank outsiders to champions is a clear manifestation of the even greater successes the country can achieve in all other fields of human endeavour if all Nigerians come together and devote their immense collective energies and resources to supporting the implementation of his Administration’s Agenda for National Transformation.”
He further encouraged the young Super Eagles to now dominate global football stating that “having conquered Africa, the new Super Eagles can go on to achieve even greater glory at the World Cup in Brazil next year.”
President Jonathan assured the team that it will receive every necessary support and encouragement from the Federal Government for that next national assignment.
The President Jonathan also extended his gratitude to the Government of South Africa and the Confederation of African Football for a well-organised tournament and expressed his delight to receive the victorious Super Eagles in Abuja on Tuesday.
He also commended the Minister of Sports, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, the Chairman and members of the Nigerian Football Federation and all others who have contributed to the astonishing transformation of the Super Eagles from underdogs to gallant winners and glorious soccer champions of the African continent.