By Gabriel Ameh
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute For Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on their 4-1 victory over Gabon in the semifinal of the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff in Morocco.
Shaibu, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State in the message contained in a statement released by the office of the DG/CEO National Institute for Sports and signed by the S. A. Media, Ben Ogbemudia, praised the players for their commitment and doggedness in achieving the win.
”The Super Eagles have really made us proud tonight and I salute them for that. Even when the Gabonese equalized, they still kept their composure and determination”, Shaibu said.
He further charged the Eagles to be focused on the next task ahead with the final against either the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon or the Leopards of DR Congo.
”Today’s victory has come and this is not yet complete. They should not be carried away by the euphoria of this victory. They should be focused on the task ahead”. Shaibu noted.
After a barren first half dominated by Nigeria, Akor Adams scored in the 78th minute in what looked like the decider but Mario Lamina’s 89th equalizer meant the game would see an extra 30 minutes of action.
The extra time had Nigeria dominate the encounter as Chidera Ejuke combined well Wilfred Ndidi in the 97th put the Eagles in front for a second time. Before Victor Osimhen’s brace in 102nd and 110th minutes crowned the efforts of the Convocation of the Eagles.
