Super Eagles skipper, Joseph Yobo, says the team is in high spirit and will do the country proud despite the 1-1 draw it had in its first game against Burkina Faso.

Yobo was reacting to a letter delivered to the team on Monday evening by Sports Minister, Hon Bolaji Abdulahi, in the company of the Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa and President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maiagari, who was in company of Executive Committee member of the federation, Chief Emeka Inyama and Director, Technical, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme.

The letter which was personally signed by President Jonathan read in part: “The Africa Cup of Nations has always been an exciting and important sports event for us in Nigeria and other African countries. However, this edition of 2013 even holds a greater significance for us as a nation. Next year 2014, our dear country will be one hundred years old. As we look back and celebrate our achievements as a strong, united nation, we cannot understate the role that sports, especially football played in our national life. Football remains one enduring unifying factor in our country which transcends our diversity. A successful outing at the Africa Cup of Nations will offer a great opportunity to further inspire pride, faith and hope in a re-energised new Nigeria in the course of our centennial celebrations”.

The Eagles skipper who was in the company of all the 23 members of the squad and technical crew said he was moved that despite the busy schedule that the President has, he still finds time to watch the Eagles and motivate the team, declaring that the team is now more than inspired to do the nation proud at the championship.

“I will like to on behalf of my mates assure Mr President, that we will not let him down all we need is for him to continue to say his fatherly prayers for us all and we shall surely deliver”, he said.