President Bola Tinubu met with the national team, the Super Eagles, on Tuesday, and announced national awards (Member of the Order of the Niger, MON) for each player. The honours also included flats in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and parcels of land.
The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, led the delegation to the presidency, which included officials from the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
The Super Eagles secured second place in the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted by Côte d’Ivoire.
During the meeting, all team members were dressed in green attire. Notably present was Alex Iwobi, who had been subjected to cyber attacks following Nigeria’s loss to Cote D’Ivoire in the AFCON final.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu commended the team, the coach, the crew, and the entire management for their hard work, dedication, and sacrifices throughout the tournament. He acknowledged their consistently improved performance and overcoming hurdles to reach the finals.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to celebrate, emphasizing that Nigeria achieved a significant victory in the hearts of Africa and the world through grit, rigour, and determination on the field of play.
“Let this passing event not dispirit us, but bring us together to work harder. We are a great nation bound as one by the green-white-green banner of resilience, joy, hope, duty, and untiring love.
“To those cherished Nigerian youths expressing their gifts in communities, drawing lines in the sand as they play football in their humble rectangles of play, you can be our heroes tomorrow, do not relent in your pursuit. My administration is here to make dreams come true,” the President had said.
