AFCON 2024: FG eyes Super Eagles’ victory, mobilises home support
The Federal Government stated on Friday that it expects the Super Eagles to win and bring home the African Cup of Nations trophy in 2024.
"The country's expectation is that they will win the cup and bring it back to Nigeria," Sports Minister John Enoh said after leaving closed-door discussions with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
Enoh's remarks come on the heels of a recent grouping ahead of the event, which saw the Super Eagles drawn with the host team, Cote d'Ivoire.
The Super Eagles were drawn in Group A against Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea at the Parc Des Expositions in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire on Thursday.
He promised Nigerians that the government will make every effort to rally the nation behind the Super Eagles in order to provide the necessary solidarity and support.
Enoh reasoned that athletes would be encouraged to perform at their best if they were aware of overwhelming home support.
As a result, President Tinubu has approved a nationwide campaign dubbed "Let's Do It Again" to mobilize resources for the Super Eagles to compete successfully.
"By the time they realize the entire country is behind them, they will have increased their firepower."
"That is the campaign's concept. "It will boost morale," he explained.
According to the former congressman, the Let's Do It Again campaign would garner enough private-sector backing for the national team that government funding would not be required for the tournament.
The minister stated that the Super Eagles are determined to win the AFCON for the first time in ten years, "which means they must prepare very well."
To lure talent, he promised to emphasize grassroots sports development and restore headmasters' sports competitions in primary schools.
The grassroots sports development is aimed at bringing sports activities close to the youths in the rural areas where they will be exposed to sports facilities to hone their talents, he clarified.
