By SALISU SANI-IDRIS

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, to lead a presidential delegation to the finals of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Office of the Vice-President, stated this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

This indicates a change of kind by Tinubu who at least on two occasions gave the impression that he would be in Abidjan for the finals. The first indication came while responding to the invitation of Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa to come and watch the team in action. Tinubu responded by promising to be present at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan to support the Super Eagles if they qualified for the 2023 AFCON finals.

The second indication came through Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, on Friday while speaking at a press conference after meeting with CAF Member Associations’ Presidents ahead of the AFCON final.

Motsepe replying a journalist who asked him when Africa could host the FIFA World Cup again after South Africa did for the first time in 2010, said Tinubu would be in Abidjan on Sunday.

“Nigeria must put in a bid. The Nigerian president (Bola Tinubu) is coming to watch the final on Sunday. I will have a conversation with him about it,” he said. Now, that will not happen.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles will take on hosts Côte d’Ivoire, in a rematch at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday, Feb. 11.

Nkwocha said that the match will rekindle the memories of Nigeria’s 1-0 victory against the hosts in the group stage secured through Captain William Troost-Ekong’s penalty.

He said that Tinubu believes that 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 Federal Government calls on all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to unite in support of the Super Eagles.

“The government also enjoin all Nigerians to raise their voices in encouragement, and create a wave of national pride that will propel the team to glory,” he said.

NAN reports that Shettima had earlier represented the President at the semi-finals when the Eagles defeated South Africa in a pulsating encounter. (Adapted from a NAN report)

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