Vice President Kashim Shettima left Abuja on Wednesday afternoon for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu in a show of unrelenting support for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
The aim is to support the Nigerian squad as they meet South Africa in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.
Shettima’s attendance is more than just symbolic; it attempts to cement Nigeria’s deep bond with football and its national identity. Beyond encouraging the Super Eagles on the field, the Vice President’s visit acts as a rallying point for millions of Nigerians who cheer on the team from home.
This year’s AFCON has seen the Super Eagles achieve incredible success, with overwhelming performances in the group stages and a stunning quarterfinal win. Their 15th appearance in the semi-finals underlines Nigeria’s rich football tradition, as they seek to repeat their 2013 win in South Africa.
Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, stressed the importance of Shettima’s visit, saying, “It serves as a powerful call for national unity and support.”
The statement speaks to Nigerians’ collective spirit, encouraging them to unify in their support for the Super Eagles.
As the semi-finals approach, the entire nation rallies behind the Super Eagles, hoping for another unforgettable chapter in Nigerian football history. Shettima’s presence in Côte d’Ivoire emphasizes football’s value as a unifying force that crosses borders and represents Nigerian national pride.