FG promises reception, rewards for Super Eagles

Vice President, Kashim Shettima (centre), celebrating with Super Eagles and their officials in their dressing room after Wednesday’s semifinal victory over South Africa.

• Peseiro waits on ‘ailing’ Osimhen, Zaidu
The Federal Government will host the Super Eagles to a ‘befitting’ reception in Abuja, where the players and their officials will be rewarded ‘adequately’ for their efforts at the Africa Cup of Nations, which comes to an end on Sunday in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

Nigeria defeated South Africa 4-2 on penalties in the first semifinal of the ongoing AFCON in Bouake after the regular and added time ended 1-1 on Wednesday.

Speaking to the players and their officials in their dressing room after the match, Vice President, Kashim Shettima, said the government and the people of Nigeria were proud of their accomplishment.

Accompanied by Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Minister for Youth, Dr Jamila Ibrahim, as well as oil mogul, Wale Tinubu, FIFA Council Member, Amaju Pinnick and NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, Shettima said the Federal Government is pleased with the team’s efforts, adding that a grand reception awaits them on return from the championship.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles’ Manager, Jose Peseiro, has said that he is not sure if Porto defender, Zaidu Sanusi, would be fit enough to play in the final match of the championship against hosts, Cote d’Ivoire, on Sunday.

Zaidu did not feature in the semifinal match against South Africa due to an injury he copped in the quarterfinal against Angola. His place was taken by Bright Osayi-Samuel, who moved to the right back, while Ola Aina played in the left back position.

Zaidu was not involved in the Super Eagles recovery workout last weekend, but he was in the