President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday honoured each player and official of the Nigerian Super Eagles with the Member of the Order of the Niger national award for securing the silver medal at the just-concluded 2023 Africa Nations Cup.
“‘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.
He also announced the donation of a flat and a plot of land to each of them even as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, immediately distributed forms for land allocation to each player at a yet-to-be-disclosed location.
Tuesday’s encounter comes barely 48 hours after the Super Eagles unsuccessfully battled for the top spot at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations against the host country, Côte d’Ivoire.
Tinubu 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 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… you have done a great job, and I am very proud of you.”
President Tinubu pledged to continue investing in sports and youth development, affirming, “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.”
On his part, the Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, lauded the President for creating a separate Ministry of Sports Development.
“For the first time, we have gone through a major competition; we have come back without any crisis, without any complaint, without any issues whatsoever relating to allowances, bonuses or whatever. This kept the team focused on the matches in front of them with quality results,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the team, the Vice-Captain, Mr. William Troost-Ekong, 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.