'Morocco has made the entire continent proud' - President Buhari

President Major Muhammadu Buhari (retd) has extolled the Moroccan men's football team, Atlas Lions for progressing to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The North African giants made history after beating Portugal 1-0 at the Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday, December 10 to become the first African team to qualify for the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup.

Youssef En-Nesyri's 42nd-minute strike ended Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup dream as the 2016 Euros winners crashed out of the Mundial.

In a statement published by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, President Buhari joined the rest of Africa to congratulate the Atlas Lions and the Moroccan King for making Africa proud.

“President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates the Moroccan World Cup team, the Atlas Lions, and the ruler of the country, King Mohammed the VI, on making history by becoming the fourth team from an African country to ever qualify for the World Cup quarterfinals, and the first to win a place in a semi-final at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

“President Buhari says Morocco has made the entire continent proud with their grit and dexterity, giving hope that an African team can indeed win, and should win the ongoing global championship in Qatar.

“President Buhari commends the team for their skill and teamwork, noting at the same time that this could not have been achieved without the exemplary role of the Moroccan authorities in putting together a formidable team,” the statement reads.

Morocco will face world champions France for a place in the grand finale on Wednesday, December 14.

WDN