Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi

The Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC),  Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has praised Nigeria’s Super Eagles for displaying unusual grit, determination and brilliance in the defeat of the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in the quarter finals of the ongoing Cup of Nations tournament in South Africa.

Abdullahi said the Super Eagles rose to the occasion and displayed the true Nigerian spirit of never giving up, adding that with the victory, the team has shown that it is still a force to be reckoned with in African football.

He urged the team to maintain the same standard and focus on their next match against the Eagles of Mali.

“I have no doubt that with the level of play I saw today, they have the capacity to get to the final of the tournament and even win the cup.

"I urge the team to remain focused and disciplined. I congratulate the players and technical team for the excellent performance,” Abdullahi said.