Buhari Congratulates Senegal over AFCON Win

Deji Elumoyein Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday reluctantly congratulated Senegal for winning the 2021 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Yaounde, Cameroon.

In a farewell audience with Senegal’s Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Babacar Matar Ndiaye at the State House, Abuja, the President asked the diplomat to convey the congratulations of Nigeria to President Macky Sall on the victory of the Teranga Lions at the just concluded AFCON.

“I’m sending the congratulations reluctantly, because our own country got beaten in the tournament,” President Buhari jocularly told the envoy.

He lauded him for a successful tour of duty in Nigeria, which lasted almost four years, while observing that “our relationship is very strong. I congratulate your President for keeping the country together. Please extend my best wishes to him.”

President Buhari also wished the outgoing Ambassador success in his next tour of duty.

In his remarks, Ambassador Ndiaye said Nigeria was like a second home to him, having first served in the consular section of his Embassy, before he came back as Ambassador for almost four years.

“Thanks for the success of my term. I will always have good memories of Nigeria,” the envoy said.