Super Eagles Our Greatest Ambassadors - Foreign Affairs Minister Prof. Viola Onwuliri

2013 African Cup of Nations, Johannesburg South Africa: Following their breathtaking victory over Burkina Faso at the recently concluded African Cup of Nations soccer finals in Johannesburg, Nigeria's Minister of State 1 for Foreign Affairs, Prof. (Mrs) Viola Onwuliri declared the Super Eagles Nigeria's greatest goodwill ambassadors. Responding to our correspondent as she celebrated with Stephen Keshi, the Super Eagles coach, and the victorious Super Eagles Prof. Onwuliri said “This is a team of destiny, they have been written off, all seemed to be going wrong and bleak, but they dug deep, drew strength from each other, their skills and their faith and to the surprise of most pulled off one of the greatest victories of this prestigious competition. If anyone is looking for a perfect definition of the Nigerian spirit, this team is the complete embodiment of the Nigerian Spirit…... Although I have not talked with Mr. President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who I represent here, I know that his transformational agenda is borne out of this can-do attitude and his belief that we are endowed with so much good to cure all that ails us. As you can tell I am loss for words, very excited and proud, and as our Nation's top diplomat here today, I can authoritatively declare the Super Eagles our greatest goodwill ambassadors” It must be recalled that Nigeria's victory came when Sunday Mba struck with a left-footed volley in the 4oth minute of the first half to score the only goal of the match, thereby ending Nigeria's 19-year Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) trophy drought. With this victory another history was made as Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi became only the second player to win the Africa Cup of Nations trophy as a player and a coach. The Honorable Minister Prof. Onwuliri was among the first Nigerian officials to be presented the Africa Cup of Nations Cup, at the Soccer City stadium, in Johannesburg by the Super Eagles. Other top political office holders present at the match were Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra State; Senate President, David Mark; Deputy Senate Majority Leader Abdul Ningi; Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubode (ret.).

Nath Beke,
Reporter, EAN, Johannesburg, South Africa