close
Friday, February 9, 2024

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles fully focused on Sunday’s final, says Chukwueze

“It is time to bring the trophy back home,” he said.

• February 8, 2024
Samuel Chukwueze
Samuel Chukwueze

Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze, says he and his colleagues are fully focused on Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against hosts Cote d’Ivoire.

Chukwueze told journalists after the team’s training session in Abidjan on Thursday that the Super Eagles had put the semi-final victory behind them and are now focused on the final.

Nigeria qualified for the AFCON final after a dramatic penalty shootout win against South Africa.

The Super Eagles prevailed 4-2 on penalties following a captivating 1-1 draw at the end of 120 minutes.

Hosts Cote d’Ivoire, on their part, booked a ticket to the AFCON final after beating DR Congo 1-0 thanks to Sebastien Haller’s goal.

“We are no more in a celebration mood at the moment.

“We are trying to recover from the semi-final game against South Africa and focus on the final game against the host country.

“It’s not going to be easy, and no one has told us it is going to be easy.

“But I believe in this team, and we have been fighting right from the start of this tournament.

“It is time to bring the trophy back home,” he said.

Chukwueze said that the team had put together a winning strategy, adding that he and his colleagues were training hard to ensure they implemented it on the field of play.

“Actually, we have already decided to do so many things.

“As a team, we have all spoken about it, including the captain, the coach, and of course, the players.

“What remains now is for us to start training towards it,” he said.

All 25 players participated in the Super Eagles’ recovery training at Ecole de Police D’ Abidjan on Thursday.

The players took part in the session, which was mostly jogging and light workouts.

The Stade olympique Alassane-Ouattara d’Ebimpé in Abidjan will host the final on Sunday from 8.00 p.m.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

TINUBU SPEAKING WITH GBAJABIAMILA

Rights

Tinubu worried about social media menace amid Nigerians’ cry of hunger

“It is the government’s obligation to ensure that engagement with citizens springs with shared agreement on what the truth is, what is real and what is not,” said Mr Tinubu.

Stanley Nwabali and Idah Peterside

Sport

South Africans threatening Nwabali not to return to club after heroic display against Bafana Bafana: Peterside

Nwabali was the architect of South Africa’s downfall against Nigeria in their AFCON semi-final clash on Wednesday.

NUP

Rights

Pensioners threaten mass protest in Abuja over demands; seek N100,000 monthly pension

“I want to make it clear: I am going to lead Nigerian pensioners in a protest so that the world will see that pensioners are suffering,” NUP vowed.

TINUBU AND SOME GOVERNORS

Economy

Private sector engine of economic opportunities; government must act as productive partner: ACCI

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) says the private sector is the engine of economic opportunities.

Troops

States

Kaduna: Army says 11 kidnap victims freed, four insurgents killed

Troops of the I Division Nigerian Army have neutralised four insurgents while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

BANDITS; FOOD

Economy

Agusto & Co identifies variables to shape 2024 economic growth

Agusto & Co. provides industry research and knowledge in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.