Posted Tue, Feb 13, 2024 10:56 AM

Super Eagles at AFCON: Reflections on the Journey and Moments of Excellence

Get ready to relive the exhilarating moments of the Super Eagles' AFCON 2024 adventure. As we dive into the highs, lows, and everything in between, as Nigeria's football pride soared on the grand stage. From heart-stopping goals to unwavering team spirit,that brought the nation together all in the name of football.

There were so many unforgettable moments from the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2023

The opening match of the group stage against Equatorial Guinea was a thrilling one! Our boys showed incredible skill and determination on the field, with Osimhen scoring a stunning goal that had everyone on their feet. Chukwueze displayed his lightning-fast speed and dribbling skills, leaving the opposition defenders in awe. And let's not forget about the solid defense that kept Equatorial Guinea at bay. It was an intense game that ended with a 1-1 draw.

Moving on to the quarterfinals,the Super Eagles secured a hard-fought victory against Angola with a final score of 1-0 with the prowess of Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon who aided with an assist. It was a tense match, with both teams giving their all on the field. Our Super Eagles displayed great teamwork and determination, and they managed to score a crucial goal to secure the win. It was a thrilling moment that had us on the edge of our seats.

In the semifinals against South Africa, it was an intense and nerve-wracking match that had fans on the edge of their seats. The Super Eagles showed great composure and skill during the penalty shootout, as Iheanacho won it for Nigeria,ultimately securing their place in the finals.  With Nwabali as the man of the match.  It was a great game, with the Super Eagles rising above the odds and playing excellently well in their knockout rounds.

Nigerians took the victory to social media; memes flooded the internet, capturing the joy and excitement of the moment, and we all know we Nigerians have a keen sense of humor, so it was no surprise that they didn't hold back when it came to the Grammys. After the Super Eagles' victory against South Africa, some Nigerians playfully compared the excitement and celebration of the match to the Grammys. They jokingly highlighted how the energy and passion of Nigerian football fans could rival the glitz and glamour of the music industry, but it was all in good fun.

Finally, in the finals against Ivory Coast in the much awaited AFCON 2024 final, two African football giants, both facing challenges in recent years,took center stage. However, it was the host team that emerged as the last standing contender, leading the Super Eagles by two goals to one. Despite the victory by Ivory Coast, the Super Eagles gave it their all and left a lasting impression on fans, football enthusiasts, and even non-football enthusiasts. It is really incredible to see how football brings people together and ignites such a sense of national pride.

It can be recalled that the Federal Executive Council in 2022 approved the new National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP). The approval is the culmination of years of positive engagement between the private sector, led by the NESG, and the public sector to ensure the transformation of sports from recreation to business. The vision of the National Sports Industry Policy is for sport to play a prominent role as an instrument of national unity and cohesion, promoting health and fitness through mass participation and contributing to economic development and global recognition.