Vice President, Shettima to lead FG delegation to AFCON final

Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead a high-powered delegation to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on Sunday to cheer the Super Eagles to victory in their quest to win the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, on Saturday.

According to the statement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Vice President to represent him at the final match between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, as a mark of his “maximum support” and “dedication” to the team.

The President also urged the Super Eagles to “make Nigeria, proud” by winning the coveted title for the fourth time.

The statement quoted the President as saying: “Recognizing the unifying power of football and the immense role the Super Eagles play in fostering national pride and unity, I believe that Vice President Shettima’s presence at the finals alongside the delegation is a testament to the government’s unwavering support for the team and its dedication to their success.”

The statement also called on all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to unite in support of the Super Eagles, and to raise their voices in encouragement, and create a wave of national pride that propels the team to glory.

The Super Eagles are set to face the host nation, Ivory Coast, in a thrilling rematch at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday. The match will rekindle the memories of Nigeria’s 1-0 victory in the group stage secured through Captain William Troost-Ekong’s penalty.

The Vice President had also represented the President at the semi-finals when the Super Eagles defeated South Africa in a pulsating encounter.
Some media organisations had earlier quoted President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Patrice Motsepe as saying that President Tinubu would attend the final game involving the Super Eagles.