President Bola Tinubu has announced the conferment of the the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) on all Super Eagles team members following their performance in the just concluded CAF 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Federal Government has also caused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to grant each member of the team a plot of land and a flat in a yet to be disclosed location.
President Tinubu received them at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday where he acknowledged their role in fostering unity within the country through their remarkable performance.
The Super Eagles came away with silver after losing the finals to the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire.
He said that the Super Eagles have demonstrated by their team spirit and discipline at the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire that diversity is principally a source of strength.
The President commended the team for their exemplary display of unity, determination, and resilience on the field.
He emphasised the pride Nigerians felt in the Super Eagles’ remarkable journey throughout the competition.
He said: “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.
“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.”
President Tinubu pledged to continue investing in sports and youth development, adding: ”We will consult with you on how to facilitate and promote sports development. As your President, I will go out to attract greater private sector investment in the Nigerian Professional Football League. We have to grow our local league, and I promise to be a super promoter of sports in our country. Many of you may in the future become managers of our local premiership system. I want to say once again that I am proud of you, and Nigeria is proud of you. You are a lifter of spirits.”
Troost Ekong, the team’s Assistant Captain and recipient of the 2023 CAF AfCON Most Valuable Player, spoke on behalf of the team, expressing gratitude to the President for his support.
He promised to work hard to surpass their achievements by winning the gold medal in the next competition.
“We are very grateful for your support during our time in Ivory Coast. We did our best until the final. I wish that we were here carrying the trophy for you.
“In 2019, I was here with a bronze medal. Now we are here with a silver medal. I have two gold-medal winners beside me here and all we can promise is that we will continue to work hard, and the next time we meet, hopefully next year, we will be bringing home a gold medal,” the Eagles Vice-Captain said.