By ISMAILA CHAFE

President Muhammadu Buhari says although the Super Eagles did not live up to expectations of Nigerians at the ongoing AFCON tournament, both officials and players deserve commendation for the tough fight they put up.

The Nigeria’s Super Eagles Football Team lost 0-1 to Tunisia on Sunday in Garoua, Cameroon.

Reacting to the loss in a statement on Monday by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, the president said:

“They gave everyone the confidence that they were up to it, and I am sure it was something they could have achieved. Nonetheless, we should not write them off.”

Buhari urged Nigerians to encourage the players to do better next time, especially in view of the World Cup qualification matches that have been lined up for them.

The president however directed the football authorities in the country to undertake a critical assessment on the Eagles’ performance at the Cup of Nations tournament.

He said the authorities should encourage the general public to send their suggestions to the Nigeria Football Federation ”so that it will reflect and plan well for a better outing in the forthcoming World Cup competition”. (NAN)