Shettima, not Tinubu, leads presidential delegation to AFCON final

President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead a presidential team to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, on Saturday, February 10, 2024.

There have been reports that Tinubu would physically attend the final of the tournament in Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday.

The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, who made this known at a press conference in Abidjan on Friday, February 9, said Shettima told him that Tinubu would come for the final game on Sunday.

“I was with the Vice President (Kashim Shettima) on Wednesday and he said that Nigeria’s president will come for the final,” he said.

Shettima had earlier represented Tinubu at the semi-finals when the Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated the Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 on penalties.

The Nigerian national team is set to face hosts Cote d’Ivoire at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday, February 11.

Shettima: Govt’ll reward Super Eagles for reaching AFCON final

Nkwocha, however, stated: “Recognizing the unifying power of football and the immense role the Super Eagles play in fostering national pride and unity, the President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, believes that Vice President Shettima’s presence at the finals alongside the delegation is a testament to the government’s unwavering support for the team and its dedication to their success.

“The federal government calls on all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to unite in support of the Super Eagles, and to raise their voices in encouragement, and create a wave of national pride that propels the team to glory.”

Some government officials and dignitaries from Nigeria have travelled to Cote d’Ivoire to support the Super Eagles in the ongoing AFCON.

Notable among them are Shettima; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi; among others.

The Star