Some of Super Eagles players. Credit: soccernet.ng


By Adetunji Faleye

Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, has emphasized that Nigeria is prepared to give their best effort in the upcoming 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to commence in Cote d’Ivoire on January 13, 2024. During a meeting at the NFF Secretariat with His Excellency Kalilou Traore, the Ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire to Nigeria, Gusau commended the Cote d’Ivoire government for significant investments in stadiums and related infrastructure to successfully host the tournament, marking four decades since the country last hosted the competition in 1984.

Gusau expressed gratitude for regular updates on preparations received from Yacine Idriss Diallo, the President of the Cote d’Ivoire Football Federation. He acknowledged the substantial investments made by the Cote d’Ivoire government to ensure the success and grandeur of the AFCON. With both the Super Eagles and Elephants placed in the same group, Gusau anticipated an intriguing match on January 18. Recognizing the global attention on Cote d’Ivoire before, during, and after the AFCON, he assured that Nigeria's team would be well-prepared. Reflecting on Nigeria's performance in 1984 when the Eagles finished second, Gusau pledged diligent efforts to secure the championship this time.

Ambassador Traore extended congratulations to the NFF for Nigeria's participation in the upcoming AFCON, inviting the NFF leadership to the Ivorian National Day celebration at the embassy of Cote d’Ivoire on November 17. He explained that the event, typically held in August, was postponed due to the passing of the former President, Dr. Henri Konan Bedie. Additionally, Traore shared plans to launch a promotional program ahead of the AFCON, hosted by Cote d’Ivoire in the early months of the following year.

Notable attendees at the gathering included H.E. Ali Silas Agara, an NFF Executive Committee member; Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, the NFF General Secretary; Ademola Olajire, the NFF Director of Communications; Cisse Karim from the Office of First Counsellor at the Ivorian embassy; and Emmanuel Ayanbunmi, the NFF Chief Protocol Officer.

 What’s your impression about this story?

Kindly like and share.