President Bola Tinubu has rewarded the Super Eagles with the National Honours Award of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), flats and plots of land in the Federal Capital Territory for finishing second at the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
Speaking at a reception in honour of the players at the State House in Abuja, Tuesday, the President commended the team for their exemplary display of unity, determination, and resilience on the field.
“It is a great honour for me to receive you, our Super Eagles. As a team, you taught us lessons on resilience, togetherness, diversity, and excitement in competitive games.
‘’You started the tournament as if Nigeria would not assert itself, but you progressed to the finals. Through all the challenges and dealing with great humidity in the host country, you left your clubs and honoured your country. You gave us great excitement.
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‘’You were determined. We salute your resilience. You lifted our spirits, and you made us proud. You made us smile as Nigerians.
‘’It is not easy to absorb a loss, particularly when the expectations are high. But you have demonstrated sportsmanship, resilience, and teamship throughout the entire tournament. That is what AFCON stands for, the unity and resilience of the continent. You have done a great job, and I am very proud of you,’’ said President Tinubu.
He, thereafter, conferred national honours on each member of the team and announced the donation of a flat and a plot of land to each of them.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike also distributed forms for the allocation of a plot of land to each of the players.
Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh on his part, applauded the President for prioritizing sports development in the country and ensuring support for the team.
Speaking on behalf of the team, William Troost-Ekong, the Vice-Captain, promised to work hard to surpass the current achievement by winning the gold medal in the next AFCON.