President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday honoured each player and official of the Nigeria Super Eagles with the national award of the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON). This is done in recognition of their performance at the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
The ceremony comes less than 48 hours after the Super Eagles finished second, after losing 2-1 in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations against the host country, Ivory Coast.
The delegation, led by sports minister John Owan Enoh, alongside officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), had the distinct honour of presenting the team to President Tinubu at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja. The reception, held on Tuesday morning, marked a momentous occasion as the nation collectively celebrated the achievements of the national team.
“It is not easy to absorb a loss, particularly when the expectations are high. But you have demonstrated sportsmanship, resilience and team spirit throughout the tournament,” said Tinubu as he decorated each team member with MON lapel pins at a reception in their honour at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
The president also acknowledged their role in fostering unity within the country through their remarkable performance and, despite finishing second, urged them to hold their heads high.
He emphasised the pride Nigerians felt in the Super Eagles’ remarkable journey throughout the competition, saying, “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 final.
“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.
Tinubu also announced the donation of a flat and a plot of land to each of them, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, immediately distributed forms for land allocation to each player at a yet-to-be-disclosed location in Abuja.
