Nigeria Vs Cote d’Ivoiure: Shettima Jets To Ivory Coast To Represent Tinubu At AFCON Final
Nigeria’s Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, who was present at the Super Eagles’ triumph over Bafana Bafana of South Africa, is now heading back to Ivory Coast for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
As one of the distinguished guests, he witnessed the intense semi-final match at Stade de la Paix in Bouake, where the Super Eagles emerged victorious with a 4-2 penalty shootout.
However, amid reports that Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will witness the final of the 2023 AFCON tournament, his vice instead, will grace the occasion.
Nigeria will face the host nation, Ivory Coast, in the finals. The most anticipated match will be held at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, the capital of Cote D’Ivoire, on Sunday.
Earlier at a media briefing, President of CAF, Patrice Motsepe, said President Tinubu of Nigeria would be in Ivory Coast for the finals.
Motsepe stated this while responding to journalists on when an African country would bid to host the FIFA World Cup again after South Africa.
Responding, Motsepe had said, “Nigeria must put in a bid. The Nigerian President (Bola Tinubu) is coming to watch the final on Sunday. I will have a conversation with him about it.”
However, in a counter statement issued on Saturday, the spokesperson of Nigeria’s Vice-President, Stanley Nkwocha, said Tinubu had directed Shettima to lead a presidential delegation to Ivory Coast.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead a presidential team to the finals of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.”
“The Vice President had also represented the President at the semi-finals when the Super Eagles defeated South Africa in a pulsating encounter. The Nigerian national team is set to face host Côte d’Ivoire in a thrilling rematch at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday, February 11.
“The match will rekindle the memories of Nigeria’s 1-0 victory in the group stage secured through Captain William Troost-Ekong’s penalty.
“Recognizing the unifying power of football and the immense role the Super Eagles play in fostering national pride and unity, the President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, believes that Vice President Shettima’s presence at the finals alongside the delegation is a testament to the government’s unwavering support for the team and its dedication to their success.”
