“We will win AFCON for you” – Super Eagles pay tribute to deceased fans

After the Super Eagles’ tense semi-final clash with South Africa, at least six Nigerians reportedly lost their lives while watching the match.

Super Eagles players have paid tribute to the souls of fellow citizens who lost their lives while watching the team’s semi-final clash with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The players have vowed to honour the memory of those who lost their lives by winning the competition when they face the hosts Ivory Coast in the final.

At least six people were said to have lost their lives during and after the tense rivalry clash, which the Super Eagles won 4-2 on penalties.

Among the deceased were the Deputy Registrar of the Kwara State University (KWASU), Ayuba Abdullahi and a former Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Cairo Ojougboh.

Before the team’s dinner on Thursday night, the team’s captain, Ahmed Musa called for a one-minute silence to honor the deceased fans, and asked a member of the team Chidozie Awaziem, to pray for the departed.

“Yesterday, we lost four good Nigerians because of the game and hold a minute silence ….they need our support right now, and Insha Allah, on Sunday we are going to lift that trophy for them,” Musa said in a short video clip.

The team’s head coach, Jose Peseiro and members of his coaching staff could also be seen paying their respect in the short video clip.

During the prayers, Awaziem prayed for the protection of Nigerians who would be watching the final match between them and the hosts.

Nigeria head into the finals set to take place on Sunday, 11th of February 2024, hoping to lift the AFCON trophy for the fourth time in their history.