Following Nigeria’s victory over South Africa, Vice President Kashim Shettima met with the team and pledged that the Federal Government would reward them for their “commitment and dedication.”
This was made known in a statement issued by the Super Eagles on its X account, formerly Twitter on Thursday.
The statement read: “The Federal Government has promised to reward the Super Eagles for their commitment and dedication in reaching the final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
“Vice President Kashim Shettima told the players and their officials in the dressing room, following their hard-fought victory over South Africa in the semi-finals on Wednesday, that the government and people of Nigeria are proud of their accomplishment.”
The statement also disclosed that: “The VP was in company with Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Minister for Youths, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim as well as oil mogul, Wale Tinubu, FIFA Council member, Amaju Pinnick, and NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau.”
Nigeria advanced to the final of the tournament after defeating Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of action.
Centre-back and captain of Nigeria, William Troost-Ekong struck through a spot-kick to break the deadlock six minutes after the hour mark.
Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen doubled the lead 18 minutes later but the goal was disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Consequently, VAR awarded a penalty to South Africa due to a foul earlier made by Alhassan Yusuf on opposition player in the box.
Teboho Mokoena beat Chippa United shot-stopper, Stanley Nwabili to restore parity for South Africa but Nigeria eventually came out victorious after penalty shootouts.
Nigeria holds the record for the highest number of appearances at the AFCON semi-finals, having played 15 times – and have won the tournament three times; 1980, 1994 and 2013 respectively.
Jose Peseiro’s men will be looking to win the title for the fourth time when they play host nation, Cote d’Ivoire in the final at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on Sunday by 9pm.
By Precious Yusuf.
