In a significant move to rally support for the national team, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a high-powered presidential delegation to Fez, Morocco. The delegation arrived ahead of Nigeria's crucial opening match in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Delegation Arrives with Presidential Support and Promised Rewards
The delegation, representing the Federal Government of Nigeria, is in Morocco with a clear mission: to support and motivate the Super Eagles as they prepare for their Group C campaign. According to a statement from the delegation, the visit is a fulfillment of President Tinubu's earlier promises to the team.
Kabiru Amadu, the lawmaker representing Gusau/Tsafe federal constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, confirmed the delegation's purpose. He stated that the president had pledged houses, plots of land, and national honours to the players following their runner-up finish at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast. These rewards were officially presented to the team in Morocco to boost their morale.
The delegation conducted a visit to the team's training camp to ensure all welfare arrangements were in order. They also attended the tournament's opening match between Morocco and Comoros, which the host nation won 2-0.
Composition of the Presidential Delegation
The delegation comprises key figures from Nigeria's sports administration and government, underscoring the importance placed on the national team's campaign. The members include:
- Senator Abdul Ningi – Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports
- Kabiru Amadu Mai Palace – Chairman, House Committee on Sports
- CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi – Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service
- Shehu Dikko – Chairman, National Sports Commission
- Ibrahim Musa Gusau – President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)
- Janet Olisa, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on International Relations
- The Acting Nigerian Ambassador to Morocco
President Tinubu, through the delegation, also expressed gratitude to the players' families, coaching staff, the Nigerian community in Morocco, the Nigerian Football Supporters Club, and the Nigerian mission for their steadfast support.
Super Eagles Set for Group C Battle
The Super Eagles are scheduled to play their first match of the tournament on Tuesday evening, December 23, at 6:30 PM at the Fez Stadium. Their opponent is the national team of Tanzania. This match marks the beginning of Nigeria's journey in a group that also includes footballing nations Tunisia and Uganda.
The visit from the presidential delegation comes amid pre-match warnings from Tanzania's coach, Miguel Gamondi, who has signaled his team's readiness to challenge the Super Eagles. Nigerian legend Ogenyi Onazi has also offered insights to coach Eric Chelle on what to expect from the Tanzanian side.
Beyond the pitch, the AFCON 2025 festivities have already seen a vibrant Nigerian presence. Afrobeats superstar Davido performed at the official kick-off concert in Rabat, thrilling fans at the Olm Souissi Fan Zone with an electric show that proudly put Nigeria on the map.
All eyes will now be on Fez Stadium as the Super Eagles, buoyed by the direct support from the highest levels of the Nigerian government, begin their quest for continental glory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
