Defeat to Cote d’Ivoire not what Nigerians wanted — Jimmy Odukoya

Lead pastor of the Fountain of Life Church Jimmy Odukoya has said that Nigerians remain proud of the Super Eagles despite the loss to Cote d’Ivoire at the 2023 AFCON final on Sunday night.

The Elephants came from behind to defeat the Super Eagles 2-1 after trailing in the first half thanks to a William Troost-Ekong header.

Goals from Franck Kessié and Sébastien Haller saw the hosts crawl back to win their third AFCON title.

Odukoya, who has been leading on social media in prayers for the Eagles throughout the tournament, took to Instagram after the match to encourage the team.

The cleric said in a video he posted that the Eagles gave Nigerians a reason to laugh amid hard times in the country.

This was not what we wanted but it’s okay. We’re still Nigerians. They cannot shame us. Today the elephants are jubilating but the Eagles are coming back.

And to the Super Eagles, we’re proud of you, you did an amazing job in this midst of hardship you gave us a reason to hope, to laugh and United us as a nation,” he said.

“My fellow Nigerians…It is well!! Well done @ng_supereagles we are proud of you !!! We will fly again!!!” The young pastor captioned his post.

Odukoya was gifted a package by the Super Eagles over his support for the team. He took over leadership of the Lagos-based church after his father Taiwo Odukoya’s death last year.