Mascot Displayers Association of Nigeria, MDAN wishes to congratulate the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their outstanding performance against the Palancras of Angola in the quarter final.
The Association also felicitates with the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau for giving the coaches the enabling environment and free hand to operate. The Association also wishes to commend the General Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Sanusi for his efforts to ensure that things are in place for the team especially the players to excel.
The MDAN also appreciates the Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the telephone conversation he had with the team before the match, it was a morale booster.
We also extend our appreciation to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who came all the way from Nigeria to throw his weight behind the team in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. His fatherly support was the motivation the team needed for that match.
The President of the Association, Mr. Gbenga Fapetu said, "I want to commend the Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his show of love to the team especially the telephone conversation he had with the team, it was a morale booster.
"As an Association, we want to also thank the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio for his fatherly support, his coming brought us luck. Not also forgetting the NFF President and the General Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and Alhaji Mohammed Sanusi for their efforts to ensure that the team does well. And lastly, we commend the Super Eagles and the entire team for their patriotism," he noted.
He however urged the team to remain focused and not be distracted by the encomiums pouring in from different quarters.
He said, "The higher the tournament goes, the higher the opposition. Any team that got to the semi-final stage of AFCON deserves it, it was not a fluke.
"There are no underdogs in the semi-final, they defeated many teams to get to this stage. 24 teams started the race but only four are remaining because they are good. The Eagles have not underrated any team before hence the Super Eagles should not underrate South Africa but be focused. Their humility has paid off and we hope they will continue with it until they lift the trophy.
We are very confident that, with the support the team is enjoying, they would overcome South Africa in the semi final and go ahead to lift the AFCON trophy.
The Association however solicit support to enable our team take care of logistics to Boauke, venue of Super Eagles' next match against South Africa.