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By Victor Babayemi
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has described Nigeria’s outing at the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a powerful reminder of the unifying force of sports and its strategic importance to national development.
In a statement made available to journalists in Morocco, Mukhtar Akoshile, Deputy President (North) of the NYCN, applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he called “unwavering commitment to sports development,” noting that the administration’s investments and reforms in the sector are beginning to reflect positively on Nigeria’s international performances.
According to him, the renewed focus on sports under President Tinubu goes beyond competition, positioning sports as a strategic tool for youth engagement, national cohesion, and global representation.
Akoshile also commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for effectively translating presidential directives into action, describing their coordination and administrative efforts during the AFCON campaign as a sign of growing institutional strength within Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.
He reserved special praise for the Super Eagles players, applauding their discipline, resilience, and determination throughout the tournament.
“Our players did not only compete for the trophy; they played for national pride. They put smiles on the faces of millions of Nigerians and gave the country moments of shared joy and belief,” Akoshile said.
The NYCN Deputy President further highlighted the conduct of Nigerian fans both at home and in the diaspora, describing their unity and patriotism as one of the most inspiring outcomes of the tournament.
“In a period where differences often dominate national conversations, Nigerian fans showed that our collective identity remains stronger than anything that divides us,” he noted.
Akoshile called on Nigerians to sustain the spirit of unity displayed during the AFCON, urging citizens to allow the same sense of togetherness and patriotism to permeate daily interactions and national life.
He added that Nigeria’s progress as a nation depends on shared purpose, cooperation, and the collective energy of its people, stressing that the lessons from the AFCON experience should extend far beyond football.
