Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu hosted the Nigeria Super Eagles on Tuesday before their departure for the 34th African Cup of Nations in Lagos, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Super Eagles except Kelechi Iheanacho who is reported to join the team in Cote D'Ivoire arrived the former Nigeria capital from Abu Dhabi on Tuesday where they had their preparations for the tournament billed to start in 3 days time.
The players and the coaching staff were dressed in a shirt which had the inscription ‘Let’s do it again’ as they had dinner with the number one citizen of the State.
The governor wished the team the best as they begin their journey to winning the title for the fourth time.
Addressing the players, Sanwo-Olu said, "You are our country unifier, as much as we will be putting the pressure on you during the matches, Nigerians expect you to do that (unifying spirit) for us. We believe we have the men who can do it for us.
"People might say we don't have a team, it's another thing to believe in yourself and once you believe in yourself and as a team we are on that track already, no matter the obstacles, no matter the fuel price facing the country, but just to go out there and demonstrate your undying spirit as Nigerian with a total of two hundred and 20 million people in the country and the Diaspora are right behind you.
"And this is how you can write your names in gold forever. And I want to assure you that this number (220 million Nigerians) are behind you in support.
"We know you have the sense of patronage and patriotism, let that be your driving force. Let it encourages you that for our country at the moment we need this unifier. We need peace, we need sports as a healing tool for us, (Nigerians).
"We need that cup to be a succour, that would energise us and bring together all of the yearnings of this country. Andi pray God to give you the strength bro achieve this.
"You should qualify and make sure that you don't give up. You could be in d first half is not what you want, to give up. It could get to 70 minutes, do t give up.
"You could see 80 minutes, don't give up. You have to have that believe that until the whistle blows you still have an opportunity and that's how life is.
"Because when we want to say that we will do it again is not by mouth alone, it's about that team's spirit and commitment. Just know that over 222 millions Nigerians are behind you."
Also in attendance were: Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh, as the Minister of Sports Development, Chairman, Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, among other.
The Super Eagles are expected to leave Lagos for Cote D'Ivoire on Wednesday.
Uche Dozie