The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has praised the Super Eagles for their impressive victory over Algeria, describing the result as a morale booster for Nigerians and a positive signal of the country’s strength on the international stage.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the team’s performance once again highlighted Nigeria’s long-standing reputation for excellence in global sports, particularly football.
According to the ministry, football remains a powerful instrument of Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and a key component of the Federal Government’s foreign policy objectives. It noted that beyond competition, the sport serves as a platform through which Nigeria promotes shared values such as unity, resilience, discipline and fair play.
“Through football, Nigeria continues to build people-to-people connections, strengthen international goodwill and project its identity beyond traditional diplomatic channels,” the statement said.
The ministry also commended billionaire businessman Abdul-Samad Rabiu for pledging incentives to the Super Eagles on January 10, 2026, describing the gesture as a demonstration of responsible citizenship and private-sector support for national development.
It said such interventions help enhance Nigeria’s soft power while reinforcing national cohesion and the country’s positive image abroad.
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The Foreign Affairs Ministry further noted that the conduct of the Super Eagles throughout the tournament has positioned them as cultural ambassadors, fostering mutual respect, continental solidarity and constructive engagement across Africa and beyond.
As the team prepares for the semi-finals, the ministry urged Nigeria’s diplomatic missions and diaspora communities worldwide to showcase the achievement as a symbol of national unity and global relevance.
It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging sports and other cultural assets to advance foreign policy goals and national development, while assuring the Super Eagles of the nation’s full support as they continue their AFCON campaign.