President Bola Tinubu is to miss the final match of the African Cup of Nations, AFCON tournament involving Nigeria and Ivory Coast despite initial reports of his presence.
He is rather to be represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima who witnessed Super Eagles victory over Bafana Bafana of South Africa, the presidency announced on Saturday.
GWG.ng reports that Shettima was among the dignitaries who watched the Semi-finals of AFCON live at Stade de la Paix in Bouake when the Super Eagles defeated their South African counterparts 4-2 on penalties.
Initial reports that Tinubu would be present for the AFCON final match came at a media briefing on Friday, when President of CAF, Patrice Motsepe said the Nigerian leader would be in Ivory Coast for the finals.
He let out that Tinubu would be present at the AFCON final match when he was asked if an African country would bid to host the FIFA World Cup again after South Africa.
He had replied saying “Nigeria must put in a bid. The Nigerian President (Bola Tinubu) is coming to watch the final on Sunday. I will have a conversation with him about it.”
But in a statement issued on Saturday, spokesperson of the Vice-President, Stanley Nkwocha, said Tinubu had directed Shettima to lead a presidential delegation to Ivory Coast.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead a presidential team to the finals of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.”
“The Vice President had also represented the President at the semi-finals when the Super Eagles defeated South Africa in a pulsating encounter. The Nigerian national team is set to face host, Côte d’Ivoire, in a thrilling rematch at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday, February 11.
“The match will rekindle the memories of Nigeria’s 1-0 victory in the group stage secured through Captain William Troost-Ekong’s penalty.
“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.”
