Despite the 2-1 defeat in a thrilling match on Sunday night, Atiku expressed that the outcome was not what Nigerians worldwide anticipated.

He emphasized that, regardless of the loss and missing out on the AFCON trophy, every Nigerian would continue to stand behind the Super Eagles.

Atiku conveyed his pride in the team, commending them for their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice that brought them to this stage in the tournament.

He wrote: “Not the result we all expected. Nonetheless, we remain #SuperEagles. Still proud of you guys. Well done, @NGSuperEagles. -AA”

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has praised the Super Eagles for their determined performance in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.

Despite the 2-1 defeat to the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire in an intense match on Sunday night, Obi commended the team for their unwavering efforts, energy, stamina, and tactical display throughout the tournament.

In a series of posts on his official X handle, Obi expressed his admiration for the Super Eagles’ display of talent and football skills, acknowledging their remarkable journey in the competition.

The former Governor of Anambra State emphasized that Nigeria remains a hub of talent, as evidenced by the national team’s performance, despite the final outcome of the game.

He wrote: “And with our final match against our dear African brothers, Cote d’Ivoire, today, we come to the end of the AFCON tournament. Our national team, the Super Eagles, put in their best efforts with high energy, stamina, and tactics, but in the end, Cote d’Ivoire emerged victorious and won the cup.

“I congratulate our national team, and indeed every Nigerian, for our great display of talents and football skills which took us far in the tournament.

“The eventual outcome of the game did not in any way remove the fact that Nigeria is a home of talents, as exemplified by our national team. Once again, our players, with their outstanding performance, energy, and zeal, reflected the resilient spirit of the Nigerian people, the giants of Africa, who even in the face of obstacles continue to persevere to success, in every area of life. It was a fierce battle on the football pitch, and I salute their professionalism, dedication, and drive for success.

“I sincerely appreciate, and congratulate the Nigeria Football Federation, the Super Eagles Coach, the management, the technical and medical crew, and all who sacrificed tirelessly to actualize our victory today. Their labours were not in vain.

“Today, as a nation, the fire of unity was rekindled among us, as we all united as one big family to support our national team and pray for their victory. In our journey to the New Nigeria we look forward to, we must unite as one, and collectively build our nation.”

Obi also mourned Nigerians who lost their lives while watching the semifinal match between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

He added: “We will overcome all the challenges that contend with our progress if we unite. To our fellow compatriots who lost their lives in the course of the football matches, we remember and mourn them today. These our countrymen, wishing nothing but victory to our dear nation, lost their lives while praying for our victory.

“We are saddened that they are not physically with us today to witness countrymen, wishing nothing but victory to our dear nation, May God grant them eternal rest and grant their families, and all of us, the fortitude to bear their irreplaceable loss. I say a very big congratulations to the AFCON Champions, Cote d’Ivoire.

“They fought gallantly and emerged winners at the end. I salute them and wish them and their nation the very best as we all continue to build the New Africa we all desire.”