Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has saluted the Super Eagles after they qualified to the quarterfinal of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations at the expense of defending champions Cameroon Saturday night in Alexandria, Egypt.
Nigeria beat Cameroon 3-2 in a Round of 16 clash and will now await the winners of the match between hosts Egypt and South Africa for a place in the semifinals.
In a statement signed by presidential media aide Femi Adesina, President Buhari urged the team to remain focused so as to go to be African champions again.
“President Buhari recognises the hard work, team spirit and sportsmanship the boys exhibited in the tournament, which are good signs for a team destined to excel,” read part of the statement.
“With yet more hurdles to scale before lifting the diadem, the President urges the team and their handlers to remain focused and determined, assuring them of the fervent prayers and support of all Nigerians.”
Nigeria have been crowned African champions thrice, in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
They staged a return to the Africa Cup this year in Egypt after they failed to qualify for the final tournament for the past two editions, in 2015 and 2017.
