The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25 election, Mr Peter Obi, has assured the Nigerian Super Eagles of his support and prayers in the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament.
PUNCH reports that Obi has joined other Nigerians at the Ivory Coast in support of the players ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash against Angola this evening.
Speaking during an interview with Arise TV on Friday, Obi said the players have done well, noting that their success so far was his motivation for being in Ivory Coast to witness the match.
The former Anambra governor, who praised the efforts of the players, however, called for more investment in sports for the development to foster more success on the global stage.
Highlighting the significance of sports in national development, Obi said, “The country needs to do more to have more stars but what they have done so far is commendable. They have all my prayers and support and all my prayers are for their success and the country because their success is the success of the country.
“As you know they have become one of our most united forms and it’s critical that we invest in them.
“Countries like Brazil have used sport critically for development. It is an area of development that we need to invest in.
“When we talk about investment, we are talking about health, education and pulling people out of poverty and that includes investing in sport.
“We can do a lot with sport. Congratulations to Nigeria, they’ve done very well and that is the reason why I’m here like every other ordinary Nigerian. We need to do more.”
The Super Eagles will face Angola, in the AFCON 2023 Quarterfinals by 6 pm today after Ademola Lookman’s brace gave Nigeria the win over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a hard-fought game.
Since the beginning of the tournament, the Super Eagles remain unbeaten.
