The statement from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), as conveyed by its vice-president, Mike Umeh, underscores the high expectations and ambitions set for the Super Eagles in their return to the African Cup of Nations (CAN). The clear objective outlined is to win the tournament, with the NFF expressing a strong desire to see Stephen Keshi and the team bring the trophy back to Nigeria. This goal reflects a bold and confident approach, emphasizing that nothing less than victory is acceptable.
The reminder that “the only reward worth it is victory” reinforces the commitment to achieving the highest level of success in the competition. The emphasis on winning the trophy rather than settling for a specific stage of the tournament, such as the semi-final or final, indicates a determined mindset and a focus on securing the ultimate prize.
The historical context provided, highlighting that the last Nigerian coronation at the CAN dates back to 1994 when Stephen Keshi captained the team, adds depth to the narrative. The fact that Keshi is now the coach of the team further connects the past glory to the current campaign, creating a sense of continuity and the pursuit of another title under his leadership.
The Super Eagles’ journey in Group C, starting with their match against Burkina Faso on January 21, will be closely followed by fans and football enthusiasts alike, as Nigeria aims for its third continental coronation, with previous victories in 1980 and 1994. The stakes are high, and the team’s pursuit of the “Holy Grail” adds an extra layer of excitement to their participation in the tournament.
