Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated the Super Eagles for their victory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the victory as a “great sporting milestone which has raised the profile of the country in the comity of nations”.
Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, said the enthronement of Nigeria as African champions has wiped away the tears of disappointment recorded by the country in the field of sports in the past few years.
According to the Governor, the victory has ended a long and agonizing 19-year wait for the trophy which was last won in Tunisia in 1994.
He praised the players for living up to expectation at the right time by raising their game when little or nothing was expected from them at the initial stage of the competition.
The governor noted that the victory at South Africa 2013 has brought joy to the country and restored the pride of her citizens all over the world.
Fayemi charged the players and officials of the national team to build on the Nations Cup success and prepare adequately for the FIFA Confederations Cup which holds in June 2013 and the FIFA World Cup which takes place in June 2014.
He said, “The Super Eagles have done us proud by winning the Africa Cup of Nations for the third time in South Africa after awaiting agonizingly for 19 years.
“The victory means a lot to us because it has restored our pride as the kings of soccer in Africa and a respected country in world football.
“Our citizens can walk with pride anywhere they find themselves because of this unquantifiable glory brought to us by our brave football icons.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Ekiti State, I say congratulations to all Nigerians for this wonderful feat recorded by our soccer heroes”.
Last modified: February 11, 2013