Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria’s Senate President, spared no words in eulogising the strong statement the Super Eagles of Nigeria, has been making since the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicked off on December 21 Morocco, one of them the decisive trouncing of the Desert Foxes of Algeria on Saturday.

Conveying his sentiments through Eseme Eyiboh, his spokesman, the Senate President, who described the Super Eagles as the pride of the nation, expressed great delight that by the victory, Nigeria had secured a spot in the Semi-Finals, urging the team to go for the top prize, which is the gold trophy itself.

Hear him: “I heartily congratulate the Super Eagles on their impressive 2-0 victory over Algeria, securing a well-deserved spot in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations,” Akpabio said while reacting to the outcome of the match played Saturday in Marrakech.

“I must say, you’re the pride of the nation. This achievement is a testament to the team’s unwavering dedication, resilience, and teamwork,” the Senate President told the high-flying Super Eagles.

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Urging the players to maintain their focus and momentum as they face hosts Morocco in the semi-finals on Wednesday, he added: “We are proud of you; the 10th Senate and all Nigerians are behind you, cheering you on to bring home the trophy.”

In a surprising move that sent a buzz within the Nigerian sports circle, William Troost-Ekong, Super Eagles Captain, who led the team to win the silver medal two years ago, has just announced that he is quitting the team and international football, meaning Eric Chelle, Coach of the senior national team will now have to look for another leader.

In an outing titled: Honoured, Grateful, Forever a Super Eagle, he wrote: “Today, I’m announcing my retirement from international football. In 2015, a late call from the late Stephen Keshi changed my life. A month later, the Big Boss gave me my debut. His belief in me ignited the desire to follow his footsteps.

“Every single time I put on the iconic shirt to walk out onto the pitch I have thought about that exact moment. Going on to captain the Super Eagles was beyond my wildest dreams. I’m grateful to my fans, coaches, and teammates. Wearing the Super Eagles armband and representing more than 230 million Nigerians was an honour I will forever cherish.

“Nigeria took me in and trust me to lead and represent a nation of +230 million. From a boy born and raised in the Netherlands, to the Oyinbo Wall, and eventually skippo is a privilege I will always hold close to my heart.

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“To have achieved 83 senior caps, played in five major tournaments, three medals, and broken a few records, I really lived my dreams. A bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, followed by playing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and three incredible AFCON tournaments, with a bronze and recently a silver medal, will remain unforgettable.”

“To every coach, member of staff,and most importantly my teammates and now brothers past and present, who has been part of my international journey, thank you.”

Recalling the emotions that went into the 2023 AFCON tournament, where he captained Nigeria to the final, scored in the decisive match, and was named Player of the Tournament, he added: “Being able to lead Nigeria to the 2023 AFCON, scoring in the final, and being named Player of the Tournament, was something so special.

“Till this day I still wish for a different ending. Becoming the highest scoring defender in AFCON history is a honour I share with every teammate who was part of those moments. I am at peace knowing that throughout all these milestones, I gave everything I had, not just for myself but to try and inspire the next generations, the same way I was inspired by the legends I looked up to.”

To the younger generation, he said he had the  pleasure to fight shoulder to shoulder with them, adding: “It’s been so much fun to play alongside my Nigerian teammates. Watching them grow into leaders, time has come to pass on the responsibilities, to pass on the opportunity, and to pass on the captaincy.

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“I am so proud to be part of a group that fully showed it is possible to come home, to play and represent our beloved nation. None of this will be possible without the people around me.

“To the Nigerian fans, the heartbeat of Nigerian football, your support has carried me through every high and every challenge. This isn’t a final goodbye, my work within Nigerian communities continues, just as my love and passion for the team will never fade.

“The last decade has been filed with commitment, pride and unforgotable memories. Wearing the Super Eagles shirt, has been more than playing football, has been a duty, a privilege, and an honour.”

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Manchester United salvaged a point against Nottingham Forest with Amad Diallo’s spectacular volleyed 2-2 equalizer in the closing stages, marking exactly one year since Ruben Amorim took charge of the club.

The visitors opened the scoring through Casemiro’s header following a disputed corner decision.

READ ALSO: United secure back-to-back EPL victories with a dramatic 4-2 win over Brighton 

Officials ruled that Nicola Savona’s clearance of Bryan Mbeumo’s delivery had crossed the touchline, though video evidence appeared inconclusive about whether the entire ball had gone out of play.

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Despite holding their interval advantage, United’s hopes of climbing to second place evaporated early in the second period. Forest overturned the deficit within five minutes through Morgan Gibbs-White, who converted Ryan Yates’ cross, before Savona capitalized on defensive confusion to put the hosts ahead—ending their four-game scoring drought.

Rather than collapse, Amorim’s men responded with 81 minutes played when Amad struck brilliantly from distance after Forest partially cleared a set piece. United nearly snatched victory in stoppage time, but Amad’s goal-bound effort was hacked away on the goal line.