- In a grand ceremony at the State House Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Bola Tinubu has bestowed upon the Super Eagles of Nigeria the esteemed national honor, Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
- The recognition came alongside a generous reward package comprising flats and parcels of land in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
President Tinubu, flanked by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, made the historic announcement during a warm reception for the players and officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The occasion was a commendation for the team's outstanding performance, culminating in a runner-up finish at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted by Côte d’Ivoire.
All eyes were on the green-clad team members and officials, including Alex Iwobi, who weathered cyber attacks following Nigeria’s loss to Cote d’Ivoire in the AFCON final held at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday.
In a statement from his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu expressed profound appreciation for the Super Eagles' hard work, assiduity, and sacrifice throughout the tournament.
The president acknowledged their resilience, consistent improvement, and ability to overcome hurdles en route to the finals.
During his address, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to take pride in the team's achievements, emphasizing that the nation had won a significant victory in the hearts of Africa and the world.
He encouraged unity, stating, "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."
Furthermore, Tinubu directed a message to aspiring youth footballers across the nation, noting, "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."
In the AFCON final, Nigeria suffered a 2-1 defeat against host Cote d'Ivoire. However, Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong was named the Best Player of the Tournament.
