President Bola Tinubu hosts Nigeria’s National football team, the Super Eagles, at the State House Council Chambers.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has bestowed the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) national distinction on the Super Eagles squad in recognition of their outstanding performance at the just ended AFCON 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast.
They were also awarded one flat and a plot of land in the Federal Capital Territory.
Nigeria came in second place, losing the trophy to the hosts, who were ultimately champions.
The Nigerian team were received at the State House on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, where they were conferred with the titles.
All the team members and officials were in attendance including Alex Iwobi, who had faced cyber-attacks over the loss to Ivory Coast.
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.
Tuesday’s (today) encounter comes barely 48 hours after they battled unsuccessfully for the top spot at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations against the host country Côte d’Ivoire.
Nigeria lost to the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire at the AFCON finals played last Sunday.
In a statement he released after the match, Tinubu had commended the team, the coach, the crew and the entire management team for their “hard work, assiduity, and sacrifice to come this far in the tournament,” acknowledging the hurdles they consistently surpassed with steadily improving performance as they pulled through to the finals.
The President had urged Nigerians to be of good cheer, stressing that “we won a great victory in the hearts of Africa and the world by our grit, rigour, and determination in the field of play.”
“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,” Tinubu had said.
