Super Eagles’ victory projects Nigeria’s unity, soft power globally – FG
The Federal Government has said the Super Eagles’ victory over Algeria has once again projected Nigeria’s unity and growing soft power on the global stage, describing the win as a boost to national pride and international goodwill.
In a statement signed by the Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said the team’s performance has reinforced Nigeria’s image as a resilient and united nation with a strong sporting heritage.
The government further congratulated the Super Eagles on what it called an impressive and morale-lifting triumph over the Algerian national team. The ministry noted that the result reaffirmed Nigeria’s long-standing tradition of excellence in international sports.
It explained that football remains a key pillar of Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and a major Presidential Ministerial Deliverable within the country’s current foreign policy framework.
According to the ministry, the sport provides a powerful platform for projecting national values beyond formal diplomatic channels.
The statement said through football, Nigeria showcases values such as unity, resilience, discipline, fair play, and collective ambition, which help strengthen people-to-people ties and enhance the country’s global image. It added that these attributes continue to resonate across borders and cultures.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria congratulates the Super Eagles on their impressive victory over the Algerian national team, which is a commendable achievement that has uplifted national morale and reaffirmed Nigeria’s enduring tradition of excellence in international sports.
“The Ministry notes that sports, particularly football, remain a vital pillar of Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and constitute a key Presidential Ministerial Deliverable under the current foreign policy framework. Through football, Nigeria projects core national values of unity, resilience, discipline, fair competition, and collective aspiration, thereby strengthening people-to-people connections and enhancing the country’s international image beyond conventional diplomatic engagement.” The statement reads
The ministry also acknowledged the gesture by businessman Abdul-Samad Rabiu, who on January 10, 2026, pledged incentives to the Super Eagles in recognition of their performance. It described the move as an act of responsible citizenship that supports national cohesion and international goodwill.
According to the ministry, private sector support of sports contributes significantly to the country’s soft power and reinforces Nigeria’s positive standing within the international community. It said such partnerships complement government efforts to promote national interests through non-traditional diplomatic tools.
The statement further noted that by their conduct and results on the pitch, the Super Eagles continue to serve as cultural ambassadors of Nigeria.
Their performances, it said, promote continental solidarity, mutual respect, and constructive engagement across Africa and beyond.
The ministry stressed that the team’s progress in the tournament reflects Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful competition, cultural exchange, and cooperation through sports diplomacy. It added that sports remain an effective channel for fostering understanding among nations.
As the Super Eagles advance to the semi-finals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Nigerian diplomatic missions and diaspora communities to highlight the achievement as a symbol of national unity and global relevance. It urged Nigerians abroad to rally support for the team.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its full support for the Super Eagles and wished them continued success, expressing confidence that the team will continue to carry Nigeria’s flag with pride and honour as the tournament progresses.
“By their conduct and performance on the field, the Super Eagles continue to serve as effective cultural ambassadors of the Nigerian nation, fostering continental solidarity, mutual respect, and positive engagement across Africa and the wider international community. Their progress in the tournament reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful competition, cultural exchange, and constructive engagement through sports diplomacy.
“As the team advances to the semi-finals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on Nigeria’s diplomatic missions and diaspora communities worldwide to amplify this achievement as a symbol of national unity, partnership, and global relevance. The Ministry remains committed to strategically leveraging sports and other cultural assets as instruments of foreign policy in support of national development objectives.
“The Government and people of Nigeria stand firmly behind the Super Eagles and wish them continued success as they carry the nation’s flag forward with pride and honour.” The statement reads in parts.
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