TheCable

Sunday Dare, the former minister of youth and sports, has congratulated the Super Eagles for advancing to the final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

On Wednesday, Nigeria defeated South Africa 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at La Paix Stadium. Stanley Nwabali, the team’s goalkeeper, saved two penalties against the Bafana Bafana to help the Super Eagles into their eighth AFCON final.

In a statement, Dare praised the team’s resilience and passion, adding that they were the ingredients that gave the Super Eagles victory in the semi-final clash.

The former minister also described the win as a culmination of several years of effort while charging the team to lift the trophy for the fourth time.

“The triumph of our beloved Super Eagles is a testament to the resilience and commitment of our athletes over the years,” he said.

“Despite the opposition by the gallant Bafana Bafana, like the resilient people we are, you triumphed!

“Go on. Lift the trophy and return as African Champions!! Well done to the team & congratulations to Mr. President and all Nigerians.”

The 57-year-old also extoled the fighting spirit on display against South Africa, a match in which the video assistant referee (VAR) chalked off Victor Osimhen’s goal before awarding the opponent a penalty.

He described the rising from the psychological disadvantage as a rallying call to achieve greatness in the national team.

The former minister, who was at the helm of affairs between 2019 and 2023, added that the Eagles’ AFCON performance is an indication that putting structures in place is a guarantee for future success in sports.

“Seeing how the Super Eagles fought tonight Strengthens my belief that we can achieve almost anything as a collective. If we put the proper structure in place & cast our projections past our personal tenures for regimes to come, we will see more victories like this,” the statement reads.

“As we bask in the glory of this historic achievement, let us not lose sight of the work that lies ahead.

“Let us harness the momentum of this victory to propel Nigerian sports to greater heights, guided by a shared vision of excellence and inclusivity. Together, we can overcome any challenge and emerge victorious.”

Nigeria will face the Ivory Coast, the hosts, in the final at the Olympique Alassane Ouattara stadium in Abidjan on Sunday, February 13.