Thursday, July 23, 2026

Celestine Babayaro urges Super Eagles to embrace team spirit to win AFCON trophy

According to him, only dedication and playing well can help the team win the tournament.

• February 7, 2024
Super Eagles celebrating
Super Eagles celebrating [Credit: TNT Sport]

Ex-Nigerian International, Celestine Babayaro, has urged the Super Eagles to imbibe team spirit and dedication to win the 2023 AFCON trophy. 

Mr Babayaro made the call in an interview with journalists on Wednesday, while reacting to the Eagle’s 4-2 victory against South Africa to qualify for the final.

Eagles defeated Bafana Bafana of South Africa in a penalty shootout, after a 1-1 draw of the 120 minutes of play, including extra time.

According to him, only dedication and playing well can help the team win the tournament.

“I really like their mode of play as they show skills and energy during the last two matches, but the team need more dedication and one spirit to win the final match.

“They need to follow the coach’s instructions, add psychology and exhibit more skillful tactics as a team to win the AFCON glory.

“The game was impressive I must confess and I hope the glory is coming to Nigeria,” he said.

Nigeria beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

The Super Eagles will play the winner of the Cote d’Ivoire versus DR Congo in the final of the tournament.

(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

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

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.”

NOA and NOSDRA logos

States

NOA, NOSDRA partner on environmental safety in Kwara

Mr Williams commended NOA for seeking closer collaboration in environmental management.

WHO

States

WHO commends Ebonyi as FGM drops to 20.4%

Mr Ogbueli described the decline as a major milestone in efforts to end FGM.

Jumoke Oduwole

Economy

FG empowers nearly 300,000 Nigerians through skills programmes: Minister

Mrs Oduwole saidthat the ministry was implementing policies to strengthen manufacturing and agro-processing, among others.

Kudirat Kekere-Ekun

NationWide

CJN seeks strong legal protection for maritime sector

Mrs Kekere-Ekun described maritime law as one of the principal pillars supporting global commerce.