The captain of the Nigerian mens national team, Ahmed Musa has said that the shock exit experienced by the team during the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon has only made the side stronger.

The Fatih Karagumruk forward acknowledged that their exit was a bitter pill to swallow while speaking to nff.com but they have taken the lessons learnt to heart as they face the coming challenges.

“You know it is still a shock but I can assure you that things like these make a team stronger. We did our best in the circumstances. When you lose a tournament, it hurts really bad, however we don’t have time to keep reflecting over what went wrong.” He began.

Nigeria who were the only team to record nine maximum points in the group stage at Afcon’21 were ousted 1-0 by Tunisia in the Round-of-16.

“We have very important challenges in front of us, and all we can do is stay stronger and have firm belief in ourselves that we can do it. The focus is now on the World Cup.” The former Kano Pillars star added.

All these transpired during a breakfast meeting hosted by Youth and Sports Minister Sunday Dare on Tuesday.

The minister in his words began by informing the contingent that the Government was proud of their antics in Cameroon and “how they have comported themselves as ambassadors of our nation.”

He also added that the Super Eagles will “improve and become a solid and fierce contender in any competition” they participate in.

In a meeting which had the likes of Alh. Ismail Abubakar (Permanent Secretary, Youth and Sports Development Ministry); Mallam Shehu Dikko (2nd Vice President, NFF/Chairman, LMC); Dr Mohammed Sanusi (NFF General Secretary); Ms Aisha Falode (Member, NFF Executive Committee/Chairman, Nigeria Women Football League) and; top officials of the Sports and Youth Development Ministry, Mr. Sunday Dare added that the team’s performance at the continental showpiece showed they have improved and their football is heading in a proper direction.

Attention has been shifted to the all-important double-headed World Cup qualifier against the Black Stars of Ghana.

The West-African nation has crossed the path of the Super Eagles severally in times past and a number of World Cup qualifiers have seen both nations lock horns.

The most recent was the qualifer to the Korea/Japan 2002 where Nigeria edged Ghana 3-0 aggregate.

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