Shettima pledges government reward as Super Eagles zoom into 2024 AFCON final

Vice President Kashim Shettima reportedly met with the Super Eagles following their win over the Bafana Bafana of South Africa and promised that the Federal Government will reward them for their “commitment and dedication.”

The Super Eagles disclosed this in a statement and photos shared on their official X handle early Thursday.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday night defeated the Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 on penalties to qualify for the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The match finished 1-1 after extra time and the three-time champions will face hosts Ivory Coast in the final on Sunday.

The statement read, “The Federal Government has promised to reward the Super Eagles for their commitment and dedication in reaching the final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivore.

“Vice President Kashim Shettima told the players and their officials in the dressing room, following their hard-fought victory over South Africa in the semi-finals on Wednesday, that the government and people of Nigeria are proud of their accomplishment.

“The VP was in company with Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Minister for Youths, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim as well as oil mogul, Wale Tinubu, FIFA Council member, Amaju Pinnick, and NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau.”

Nigeria holds the record for the highest number of appearances at the AFCON semi-finals, having played 15 times.