Tinubu’s government cites Super Eagles’ AFCON quarter-final qualification as national progress

President Bola Tinubu’s government says Nigeria is making good progress on “all fronts” despite economic, security and other challenges, citing Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final qualification as part of the achievements.

“Amidst challenges, Nigeria is forging ahead on many fronts,” the Tinubu-led government said in a statement by the minister of information and national orientation, Idris Mohammed, on Sunday.

While promising to tackle insecurity, rising inflation and corruption, the Nigerian government said, “In the opening weeks of 2024, our stock market has already put us on the global map for the impressive returns being delivered.”

The information minister added that “the heartwarming exploits of our beloved Super Eagles at the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire are another case in point; a timely reminder that the things that bind us together as one are much deeper than the things that separate and divide us.”

On Saturday, the Nigerian Super Eagles defeated long-time rival Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 2-0 in round 16 of AFCON. 

Days ago, Nigerian sports minister John Owan Enoh said Mr Tinubu was unsatisfied with the Super Eagles’ performance in their last group stage game against Guinea-Bissau. 

The Super Eagles defeated Guinea-Bissau by a lone goal to be second in Group A last Monday.

“One of the main reasons that made me have this call with you is the chance I had a meeting with Mr President yesterday. I went to the Villa for something else, and the president cornered me and said we managed to qualify (for the Round of 16).

“I said, ‘Your Excellency, that is how we will be going until we win the tournament’. And he said, ‘Tell our players I wasn’t too impressed in our last match, but I know that now that they are off the group stages, I know they are going to impress me more and more.’ That is what the president told me,” Mr Enoh said in a Zoom meeting with the coaching crew and players on Wednesday.