The Super Eagles of Nigeria beat pre-tournament expectations with their performance throughout the AFCON tournament, although they stumbled in the final match against Cote d’Ivoire.
Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has taken to X to extend his apologies to Nigerian fans and make a post AFCON vow.
Nigeria’s journey in the AFCON in Ivory Coast had its share of challenges and triumphs.
Starting with a draw against Equatorial Guinea, they swiftly regained momentum with victories over Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau in subsequent group stage matches.
Progressing through the knockout rounds, they overcame formidable opponents like Cameroon, Angola, and South Africa, securing a spot in the final against hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
However, their aspirations were thwarted by the Elephants, resulting in a disappointing loss despite a valiant effort.
Kelechi Iheanacho, who had limited playing time throughout the competition, made appearances in the semi-final against South Africa and as a substitute in the final against Cote d’Ivoire, albeit without altering the outcome.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Iheanacho expressed his remorse to Nigerian fans through his social media platform, acknowledging the disappointment of falling short of lifting the trophy but assuring them of the team’s resilience. He thanked all Nigerians for their unwavering support and encouraged them to maintain faith in the team’s capabilities, emphasizing the importance of belief and resilience in future endeavors.
“Normally na this one dey pain pass wey you don see the trophy but you no touch am na wahala.
“We will be back. Thank you to all Nigerians that supported us. God bless you all, let’s keep believing. Thank you most high God,” Iheanacho wrote.
Looking ahead, the Super Eagles will regroup for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers scheduled for May, aiming to bounce back stronger and continue their pursuit of success on the international stage.
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