President Bola Tinubu has awarded the Super Eagles team the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) national distinction for their outstanding performance at the just ended AFCON 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast.
The Super Eagles fell 2-1 against hosts Ivory Coast in Abidjan on Sunday, but President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised the team’s resilience.
Each player on the national team was awarded the Member of the Order of the Niger, one of the country’s greatest honors, as well as a flat and land in the capital region.
Tinubu welcomed the returning team at the presidential house in Abuja, saying he was proud of the team despite the setback.
All team players and officials were present, including Alex Iwobi, who had received cyber-attacks following the loss to Ivory Coast.
“Let this passing event not dispirit us but bring us together to work harder,” he said.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu has abolished a fuel subsidy and currency controls since taking office last year, resulting in double petrol prices and an increase in living costs as the naira falls significantly against the dollar.
Many Nigerians had thought that victory would provide much-needed joy as they suffered with the economic turmoil.
There was so much enthusiasm leading up to the match that the Lagos health ministry issued instructions to spectators, telling them to “stay calm,” take breaks, stay hydrated, and “be prepared for emergencies.”
They now join the ranks of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, HRM Eze Isaac Ikonne, Dr. Faisal Shuaibu, Chief Silva Ejeh Ameh, Alh. Kamoru Ibitoye Yusuf, Mallam Ibrahim Okposi, Alhaji Shehu Uthman, Barr. Chris Ezem, Davido and Teni to have received the national honours.
