President Goodluck Jonathan and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu have saluted the home Super Eagles on their exhilarating come-back victory over their Moroccan counterparts this evening in Cape Town in the quarter-finals of the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).

“President Jonathan applauds the indomitable spirit with which the Super Eagles fought back from being three goals down to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and win a most memorable victory with almost the last kick of the match,” says a statement by his spokesman Reuben Abati.

He adds: “The President commends the courage, patriotism, determination and dedication to national service exhibited by the Super Eagles today to all other Nigerians

“He urges the team to maintain their exemplary commitment to national duty until ultimate victory in the continental soccer championship for home-based players is achieved.

“President Jonathan assures the team and its handlers that they will continue to receive the fullest possible support from the Federal Government and all Nigerians as they strive to add the African Nations Championship trophy to the African Nations Cup which Nigeria won last year.

“He joins all other patriotic and proud Nigerians in praying for the success of the team in the semi-finals and finals of the tournament.”

Senator Ekweremadu in a statement issued by his Special Adviser (Media) Uche Anichukwu faulted the lackluster spirit exhibited by the Eagles in the first half, especially in the defence line, but commended the team for showing enormous character and determination in the second half and extra time of the game.

His words: “The Super Eagles have just rekindled reminiscences of the Damman miracle at the 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship in which Nigeria upturned a four goal deficit to win the defunct Soviet Union in a breathtaking quarter final encounter.

“Indeed, for Nigeria and African football, this is a comeback of the past two decades and I commend the Eagles for their unmatchable resurgent spirit and doggedness.

“It is also my prayer that Nigerians and indeed our political elites learn the lessons implicit in this victory – that Nigeria can always overcome her challenges if we all work together, putting political, ethno-religious, and sectional sentiments and differences aside.”

While urging prayers for the Super Eagles, Senator Ekweremadu, however, called on the coaching crew to work on the team’s defence to ensure that Nigeria wins the trophy.

•Photo shows Super Eagles’ forward Gbolahan Salami thanking God for His mercies after one of the team's victories in the on-going CHAN in South Africa.

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