Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh has said the country is thirsty to lift the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a 10-year lacklustre performance by the Super Eagles in the continental football tournament.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Nigeria last won the AFCON title in 2013, being the 29th edition of the tournament hosted by South Africa.
On Wednesday when he met with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro in Abuja, Enoh said it matters a great deal to lift the coveted AFCON trophy.
“Our country is so passionate about football, such that amidst all other sports, football is about the only sport that has an entry in the nation’s national budget. That is how important football is because whatever happens to it, happens to us as a country.
“After 10 years, the country is thirsty to win the AFCON. It will matter a great deal to the Nigerian people, and the Government of President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. It is important to not just leave the task to the NFF alone, but the Government is also interested in being able to tell the Nigerian people what is being done in that regard,” the Sports Minister said.
TNG reports the next edition of AFCON, Cote d’Ivoire 2023 will hold from 13 January to 11 February 2024.