President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, bestowed the Super Eagles of Nigeria with a national award (Member of the Order of the Niger, MON), flats in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and parcels of land.
The announcement came during a reception at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja, where President Tinubu welcomed the players and officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), led by Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh.
The gesture follows the Super Eagles’ remarkable performance as runners-up in the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted by Côte d’Ivoire.
Despite facing cyber attacks after Nigeria’s loss in the final, all team members, including Alex Iwobi, attended the event, as reported by Vanguard.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu praised the team, coach, crew, and management for their dedication and resilience throughout the tournament.
He urged Nigerians to unite and build on the nation’s achievements, emphasizing the spirit of unity and determination displayed on the field.
President Tinubu concluded by encouraging Nigerian youths to pursue their dreams, assuring them of support from his administration in realizing their aspirations.
“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 said.