The Ayedero of Yorubaland and former House of Representatives member, Honourable Shina Peller, has acknowledged and commended the leadership attribute of the Captain of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, William Troost-Ekong, describing it as exemplary.
Honourable Peller made this known while congratulating Super Eagles and Nigerians for defeating Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the semi-final match played yesterday to qualify for the final match of the African Cup of Nations 2023.
While commending the entire Super Eagles team for their resilience, courage and fighting spirit from the beginning of the tournament till the moment, the former federal lawmaker acknowledged the impressive leadership role demonstrated by the captain from the beginning of the tournament to the last match.
He added that Captain Ekong has leadership ability to make observe his colleagues, communicate with them in different ways, charge, correct and encourage them to press on in each match played.
Also, Honourable Peller seized the avenue to call on the Nigerian government at all levels to create a more enabling environment for citizens to thrive in their various businesses and fields.
He observed that almost everyone in every part of the country, irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliation, is so happy to identify with Nigeria and celebrate the victory with fellow Nigerians, notwithstanding the challenges being confronted with. He added that it is a testament to the fact that majority of Nigerians are patriots who want the best for their country.
In addition, the Oke Ogun-born businessman cum politician argued that majority of Nigerians love Nigeria passionately, noting that what they clamour for is an enabling environment for them to thrive.
He, therefore, called on the government at all levels to leverage the momentum being enjoyed by all to make decisions and policies that will further strengthen Nigeria as a nation and unite all as a people.
In the same vein, he stressed the need for the government to focus on enhancing farming business which argued will bring about food security. He also advocated for the well-being and safety of the farmers and by extension, Nigerians.
His goodwill message read in full:
“I congratulate all Nigerians home and in the diaspora on the Super Eagles’ victory against Bafana bafana of South Africa at the semi final match of the 2023 African Cup of Nations played yesterday, which consequently qualifies us for the final match.
I commend the entire team of the Super Eagles for their resilience and courage so far.
“Specially, I must acknowledge and commend the impressive leadership traits demonstrated by the captain of the team, William Troost-Ekong. From the beginning of the tournament to our last match, Ekong exhibited a commendable leadership attribute that is worth borrowing a leaf from. He wouldn’t stop communicating to his colleagues on the field with his eyes, voice and body gesture charging, correcting and encouraging them to press on.
“Another interesting point I noticed about his leadership quality is his ability to observe each of his colleagues as each match went on, with a view to making relevant suggestions to the coach where and when necessary.
“Our head coach, Jose Peseiro, confirmed this when he publicly admitted that it was Ekong that advised him to substitute Frank Onyeka in the 87th minute during our encounter with Angola having noticed that the midfielder had an injury he could not shake off. Ekong felt there was a need to change him for another person, and he wasted no time in letting the coach know this. Interestingly, the coach trusted his judgment and did as advised. That was leadership par excellence.
“Also, there were many others things he did that showcased him as a noteworthy leader. He was not just a captain/leader on paper, but he actually acted impressively as one, and I feel he deserves commendation to serve as a form of encouragement to others to take responsibility as leaders, not only in the football world, but a larger society.
“At every viewing center, and in our various homes, the love shown by all to the Super Eagles of Nigeria knows no bound – no ethnic, religious or political colouration – we all stood together as one Nigeria with a common interest. Even an igbo man that wants a Biafra nation was chanting UP Nigeria enthusiastically!
“As a matter of fact, one can reasonably argue that majority of Nigerians love Nigeria so much; most of them have no reason to antagonize the country or our leaders baselessly. I feel what majority of Nigerians clamour for is a conducive environment to thrive in their various businesses, fields and endeavours.
“Therefore, I’m using this opportunity to call on the government at all levels to leverage this momentum to make decisions and policies that will further strengthen and unite us as a nation. Importantly, government must focus on enhancing farming business because food security is as important as security of lives and others.
“To achieve this, the government must ensure the well being and safety of our farmers . If we are able to give the farmers and masses at large a secured and conducive environment to thrive, we would achieve a more peaceful Nigeria devoid of ethnic, religious and political crises.
“To the people in government, you should always remember that the masses have entrusted you with leadership positions, and so you must make it your priority to lessen their problems and make life easier for them, and not the other way round. Though, leading a diverse country as Nigeria may not be that easy, you must rise up to the challenge and rekindle the hope of the masses as promised by the “Renewed Hope” administration of our president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Once again, I congratulate all Nigerians for the victory, and I’m very confident that the Naija spirit will lead us to winning the final match and lifting the cup. So help us God. Amen!”
