Ola Aina and William Troost-Ekong have voiced their support for Nigeria, urging the team to prevail against Morocco in tonight’s semifinal showdown, SportPremi reports.
Nigeria face the host nation later today in the last four of the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament, hoping for a win to progress to the final of the tournament.
The Super Eagles have been in superb form at the tournament, scoring 14 times and winning all their five matches and face a Morocco side that is also unbeaten so far.
The clash will kickoff tonight by 9 PM at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Aina and Ekong send heartfelt messages to Super Eagles
Ola Aina who was named in the team of the tournament for the 2023 African Cup of Nations tournament as Nigeria reached the finals before losing to Ivory Coast, expressed his support for the team in a video posted on social media.
The Nottingham Forest right-back was initially included in the preliminary squad, but missed the final cut over fitness concerns and recently returned to action earlier this month.
“Yes my bros, my family man. Listen, I just want to wish you guys all the very best in the semifinals. To all the players, the technical crew, the manager, coaches, physios, doctors and everyone there has been doing a fantastic job”, Aina stated.
“Its been amazing seeing you guys play the way we know you can play as well and it’s been great to watch. This is just a quick message: All of you, do your best, all the best of luck and I’ll be rooting for you from home, sending you all my prayers and well wishes man.”
Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong also wished the players well ahead of the clash and is backing them to go all the way for the title.
The defender announced his retirement few weeks to the tournament, ruling him out of contention to play and has been succeeded by Wilfried Ndidi as captain.
“My brothers, the day is here. I cannot tell you how excited I am to watch you guys beat Morocco tonight. I just want to start by saying I am more than proud to be part of the team and what you guys are achieving is giving me so much energy”, Ekong said.
“I’ve had a chance to speak to everyone here, whether on the radio or online, and it’s all about the Super Eagles — game after game, getting better and better. Coach, I have to say, your diamond in midfield and the rotation is working now, so I can’t wait to watch the game later. If you win this game against Morocco, you guys are going to lift the trophy”, he added.
“Stick together, enjoy the moment. Some of you are experiencing playing in the semi-finals for the first time, enjoy it because these will be some of the best moments of your life. Fight for each other and, at the end of the day, you want to look in the mirror and say you did your absolute best. Continue to do what you’re doing now; you’re going to win this game. I’m going to be supporting, shouting at my TV. I love you guys, I believe in you, and go win that game. Let Morocco hear your words. God bless.”
The semifinal stage of the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament takes center stage later today, with Senegal and Egypt facing off in the first semifinal clash, before Nigeria and Morocco go head-to-head later at night.
