“Super Eagles carry our hopes” – Governor Sanwo-olu pleased to host AFCON trophy in Lagos

In January, Nigeria will be among 23 other nations aiming to take over from Senegal as the king of African football

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, warmly received the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Soccernet.ng reports.

Delighted to have the continent's most prestigious trophy land in Nigeria's economic capital, Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement, emphasised the city's dedication to sports development.

Twenty-four teams will gather in Ivory Coast next month to compete for the AFCON trophy currently being held by reigning champions Senegal.

Ahead of the 34th edition of the continental championships, the AFCON trophy is presently on a tour of major African cities, and it landed in Lagos on Friday.

Expressing gratitude for Lagos being chosen as a stop on the AFCON trophy tour, Governor Sanwo-Olu credited the city's vibrant sports culture for this honour.

Via a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Gov. Sanwo-olu thanked Visa and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for selecting Lagos, underscoring the state's unwavering commitment to sports advancement.

“The AFCON trophy is a symbol of continental pride and excellence. The Super Eagles carry our hopes, and I believe in their potential to clinch victory. With proper preparation and dedication, we're poised to shine on the global stage, ” the statement reads in part.

“As Lagos State hosts the AFCON trophy, it's a clear testament to our commitment to sports development. We're a city pulsating with sports enthusiasm, and we're grateful to Visa and CAF for choosing Lagos for the trophy tour.”

As Lagos State hosts the AFCON trophy, it's clearly a testament to our commitment to sports development.

We are a city pulsating with sports enthusiasm and we're grateful to Visa and CAF for choosing Lagos for the trophy tour. Our support for sports development continues as the… pic.twitter.com/JFH92F2hQs

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) December 14, 2023

Acknowledging the AFCON trophy as a symbol of continental pride and excellence, the governor conveyed confidence in the Super Eagles, expressing belief in their potential to secure victory.

He highlighted the importance of proper preparation and dedication for the team to shine on the global stage.

“Beyond being a global spectacle, AFCON embodies the spirit of our local talents. I urge CAF to infuse indigenous skills and expertise, thereby enriching the contest,” Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted, underscoring Lagos' commitment to nurturing homegrown football talent and sustaining the zeal for sports.

Three-time African champions Nigeria will be among the favourites to rule Africa again.

The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group A together with hosts Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea.