The 2023 Presidential candidate for Labour Party, Peter Obi, has urged the Super Eagles to double their efforts in today’s Africa Cup of Nations knockout clash against Cameroon.

In a statement on Saturday via X, the former Anambra governor congratulated the Nigerian team for reaching the round of 16.

“As they go into the knock-out stage today, I encourage them to double their efforts while wishing them victory,” Obi said.

He described the players as “ambassadors” who carry the nation’s hopes. “Our football players carry the banner of our youth as ambassadors of our nation,” Obi said.

Despite current challenges, Obi insisted “we remain a nation of winners.”

The 2023 presidential candidate expressed optimism in Nigeria’s promise, and shared his support for the Super Eagles.

The Super Eagles face neighbours Cameroon on Saturday (today), hoping to advance to the AFCON quarter-finals. Nigeria vs Cameroon will be played at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, where Cameroon beat Nigeria in the 1984 AFCON final.

The teams have eight AFCON titles between them, with Cameroon having five and Nigeria having three. However, in recent meetings of Nigeria vs Cameroon, the Super Eagles have been dominant.

Nigeria claimed victory during the quarterfinals of the 2004 edition played in Tunisia, and a round-of-16 win during the 2019 showpiece in Egypt.

Obi, therefore, backed the Nigerian team to succeed against the odds with maximum effort.

“I support their hope and the promise of the great nation we deserve,” he added, urging the Eagles to make the country proud.

The winner of the West African clash will advance to the quarterfinals to play against the winner of Angola vs Namibia, to be played at 6pm (Nigerian time) at Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Saturday.

Both teams are seeking to add to their AFCON trophy tallies, with Nigeria eyeing a 4th title and Cameroon looking for a 6th.