The Super Eagles of Nigeria head into next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the hopes of claiming their fourth continental title, and Africa’s most populous nation on Wednesday announced that they have chosen the catchphrase “Let’s Do It Again” as their watchword for the tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
The mantra, which was accepted without opposition, was approved before the Eagles final AFCON 2023 qualifying match against Sao Tome and Principe in Uyo in September. The unanimous decision birthed the idea, which saw the players, staff, and officials all don T-shirts that had the inscription with the saying on them after the comfortable 6-0 triumph at the fully-packed Nest of Champions Stadium.
Nigeria, three-time winners of the AFCON, first won the tournament 43 years ago on home soil in 1980. They claimed their second triumph in 1994 before former Eagles captain Stephen Keshi led the side to another victory in 2013 in South Africa, where he became just one of two individuals to win the tournament as both player and coach.
Greece-based defender and reigning Eagles captain, William Ekong, reiterated that the teams believe in their new watchword as they look to make the nation proud in the competition that kicks off in about 94 days.
“We like the phrase because it gives us confidence and the go-to push,” 30-year-old centre back said. “We have done it before so we can do it again.
“Winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire is our goal and we have the team to do just that.”
Ekong’s long term defence partner Kenneth Omeruo also added: “I look around and I see players who have the capacity to make it happen. We are all ambitious. The team is a blend of old and wise heads and exciting new talents. We will go for the trophy in Cote d’Ivoire.”
11 days and we are back together on the pitch! Who else can’t wait?#soarsupereagles #letsdoitagain pic.twitter.com/ohVK6eDGby
— ???????? Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 2, 2023
The Super Eagles will look to continue their brilliant start to life under their new mantra when they take on Jose Peseiro’s former side, the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia, in a friendly game at the Estadio Municipal de Portimão in Portugal on Friday, October 13.
Three days later, on Monday, October 16, they will take on the Mambas of Mozambique at the same venue as preparations for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in November.
