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#AFCON23: “This Is The Time To Bring Trophy Back Home” – Samuel Chukwueze Gear Up For Final Showdown Against Hosts

South Africa's defender #6 Aubrey Modiba (C) fights for the ball with Nigeria's midfielder #8 Frank Onyeka (L) and Nigeria's forward #11 Samuel Chukwueze during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 semi-final football match between Nigeria and South Africa at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on February 7, 2024. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP) (Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)

Samuel Chukwueze, the standout winger for the Nigerian national team, addressed the press with a tone of determined focus rather than jubilant celebration.

The Super Eagles clinched a tense 4-2 victory on penalties to secure their spot in the final showdown against the host nation, Cote d’Ivoire, scheduled for Sunday, the 11th of this month, Sports247 reports.

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Reflecting on the pivotal win, Chukwueze emphasized the team’s immediate shift from revelry to recovery, highlighting the paramount importance of regaining physical and mental composure ahead of the daunting final encounter.

“No, I think we are not in a celebration mode at the moment. I think we are trying to recover from the game and focus on the game on Sunday against the hosting country,” stated the forward, acknowledging the enormity of the task that lies ahead.

“It’s not going to be easy. Nobody told us it’s going to be easy. But I think, I believe in this team, and I’ll be fighting through it from the start, so this is the time to bring the trophy back home.”

When pressed about the team’s strategy moving forward, Chukwueze revealed that thorough discussions had already taken place amongst the players, coaching staff, and team captain.

“Yeah, actually, I’ve already decided to do some meetings. All of us have talked about it. The captain, the coach,” he disclosed, underscoring the collective commitment to preparing diligently for the upcoming final clash.

“The main thing is for us to start training towards it.”

With the looming prospect of facing the formidable hosts in the championship decider, Chukwueze’s words reflect a sense of steely determination and unity within the Super Eagles camp.

As they embark on their quest to clinch glory on foreign soil, Nigeria’s resolve to seize the coveted trophy resonates as they gear up for what promises to be a thrilling and fiercely contested final encounter against Cote d’Ivoire.