Just in: President Tinubu grants national awards, housing rewards to Super Eagles team

President Bola Tinubu has received the national men’s football team, the Super Eagles, on Tuesday, during which he announced that each player would receive national awards (Member of the Order of the Niger, MON).

They were also promised flats in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, as well as a piece of land. The delegation to the presidency was led by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, accompanied by officials from the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

Recall that Côte d’Ivoire won the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations title by coming from behind to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in Sunday’s thrilling final.

It culminated an extraordinary comeback for Cote d’Ivoire, which had nearly failed to advance from the group stages.

President Tinubu had in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale emphasized their resilience in overcoming hurdles, as he urged Nigerians to revel in the victory, underscoring Nigeria’s triumph in winning the hearts of Africa and the world with their tenacity on the field.

“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 says.

Despite the defeat, Nigerian captain, William Troost-Ekong walked away with the TotalEnergies Best Player of the tournament award.

Guinea-Bissau dangerman, Emilio Nsue Lopez won the PUMA highest goal scorer award while South Africa goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams was voted the Ecobank Best Goalkeeper following his brilliant displays for the Bafana Bafana.