lauds Captain Ekong’s leadership trait
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Ayedero of Yorubaland, Hon Shina Peller on Friday, lauded the Super Eagles team for the resilience, courage and fighting spirit from the beginning of AFCON tournament till the moment.
The former House of Representatives member stated this while congratulating Super Eagles and Nigerians for defeating Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the semi-final match to qualify for the final match of the African Cup of Nations 2023.
He stressed that Nigerian government at all levels to create a more enabling environment for citizens to thrive in their various businesses and fields.
“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, which consequently qualifies us for the final match. I commend the entire team of the Super Eagles for their resilience and courage so far.”, he said.
The Ayedero of Yorubaland acknowledged and commended the leadership attribute of the Captain of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, William Troost-Ekong, describing it as exemplary, saying, 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.
” 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”.
Hon Peller added, “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.
He stressed further ” 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.
