By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – The Mascot Displayers Association of Nigeria (MDAN) has commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for what it described as a renewed sense of confidence and care in government sports administration during the just-concluded 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The commendation was made in Abuja when leaders of the association, on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, addressed journalists on their experience and participation at the tournament.

Speaking at the briefing were the Leader of the MDAN delegation, Mr. Adewale Owosheni, and the Chief Mascot Coordinator, Mr. Muyiwa Fapetu, who both praised the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for prioritising welfare and effective coordination.

Owosheni said the NSC provided full logistical and welfare support that allowed MDAN members to perform their duties seamlessly throughout the competition, culminating in Nigeria’s bronze medal finish.

“The NSC ensured that we were comfortable. We didn’t lack anything in Morocco. They sponsored our movement to and fro Morocco, provided for our accommodations, took care of our feeding, transported us to match venues, including taking care of other logistics, to make life easy for us hence we had enough energy to cheer and support the team to the third place match, where we won bronze medal,” he said.

Owosheni also praised the Super Eagles and the coaching crew led by Eric Chelle for their performance in Morocco.

“We are proud of the Super Eagles and the Coaching Crew led by Eric Chelle for the wonderful feats in Morocco. Although, they didn’t qualify for the World Cup, we still believe in them to deliver one day and we will continue to support them wherever they go,” he said.

Owosheni also congratulated the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and called for continuity within the national team, stressing the need for early preparation ahead of the 2027 AFCON to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

“Our bench should be as good as our starting team and discovering new players will also help to take care of possibly injured or aging players in the team,” he added.

On his part, Fapetu said the impact of the current NSC leadership went beyond tournament arrangements, noting that their broader interventions in athletes’ welfare had helped to motivate the Super Eagles during the AFCON campaign.

He said the leadership ensured that players received their landed properties promised by the Federal Government, as well as the prompt payment of match bonuses and allowances, developments he described as critical to the team’s morale, even though Nigeria fell short of winning the title.

Fapetu expressed confidence that the Super Eagles are close to lifting a fourth AFCON trophy, adding that the next tournament in East Africa could mark a turning point under the present NSC leadership.