Top Edo official Mrs. Sabina Chikere, tells Super Eagles to put behind DR Congo loss

…Urges Super Eagles to channel heartbreak into dominance at the 2025 AFCON finals

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye

The Executive Director of Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Mrs. Sabina Chikere, has urged the Super Eagles to transform the anguish of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup into a fiery resolve to conquer Africa when the 2025 AFCON kicks off in Morocco.

Nigeria’s hopes of appearing on football’s grandest stage were extinguished on Sunday following a dramatic 4-3 penalty loss to DR Congo after a tension-soaked 1-1 draw. The defeat struck the nation like a thunderbolt, leaving millions heartbroken, with Mrs. Chikere joining the list.

Speaking with deep emotion, she described the match as “a painful reminder of how cruel football can be,” noting that she watched every minute with faith in the team’s capability and with firm belief in the talents of Victor Osimhen and his teammates.

But instead of dwelling on what went wrong, Mrs. Chikere called on the players to turn their frustration into fuel.

“This pain must not break you, it must build you,” she declared. “Great teams are not defined by setbacks but by how they rise after them. The AFCON is around the corner, and it is the perfect stage for redemption.”

She emphasized that Nigeria possesses some of the finest talents on the continent, from former African Players of the Year, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, to Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, Samuel Chukwueze, Semi Ajayi and Wilfred Ndidi, insisting that the nation still believes in every single one of them.

“You fought until the very last moment. You played with heart, strength and national pride. Football will test you, but it will also reward you. Keep your heads high, Nigeria sees your effort and stands with you,” she said.

She urged the players to confront the future with renewed determination.

“Let this heartbreak sharpen your hunger. Let the African continent feel the strength of a wounded but awakened giant. The 2025 AFCON is your moment to reclaim glory, restore pride, and remind the world who the Super Eagles truly are,” Mrs Sabina Chikere added.

Mrs. Chikere stressed that the road to victory begins with unity, discipline, and belief, adding that the team has everything required to soar higher than ever.

“Nigeria believes in you. Now go and write the comeback story Africa will never forget,” she concluded.

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