The anticipation that President Bola Tinubu would make history by becoming the first Nigerian President to attend an African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in 44 years has been dashed.
President Shehu Shagari was present at the National Stadium in Lagos when the national team won the 1980 AFCON tournament on home soil, and he was the last Nigerian President to be in the stands during an AFCON final.
The Herald recalls that CAF President Patrice Motsepe hinted during a press conference in Abidjan on Friday that President Tinubu will be part of the dignitaries to watch the Super Eagles take on the Elephants in the AFCON 2023 final at the Stade Alassane Ouattara.
He said, “I was told the President of Nigeria is coming,” Motsepe revealed. “I was sitting next to the Vice President (Kashim Shettima) during the Nigeria-South Africa game. While I can’t show excitement when any nation scores, they said they could see my happiness. And yes, I am always happy!”
However, in a development was made public on Saturday through a press release by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha.
The statement highlighted the Vice President’s role in representing President Bola Tinubu at the semi-final showdown last week, a match that saw Nigeria triumph over South Africa.
With high hopes and the nation’s support behind them, Shettima is making his way back to Abidjan, the scene of the final face-off, with the aim of witnessing the Super Eagles soar to victory.
He said, “Recognising the unifying power of football and the immense role the Super Eagles play in fostering national pride and unity, the President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, believes that Vice President 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, and to raise their voices in encouragement, and create a wave of national pride that propels the team to glory.”
The Super Eagles of Nigeria beat Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 in penalties to reach the AFCON final. Nigeria will compete for a chance to add a fourth AFCON trophy to their history since 2013, when they last won the cup.