President Bola Tinubu has conferred the prestigious Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) national honours on the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, in recognition of their commendable performance at the AFCON 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast. Despite a narrow 2-1 loss to the host nation in the finals at Abidjan, the President lauded the team’s resilience and spirit throughout the competition.
In a ceremony held at the State House in Abuja, each player was awarded not only the MON but also a flat and a piece of land, reflecting the government’s appreciation for their efforts on the international stage. The event saw the presence of notable team members, including Alex Iwobi, who had been subjected to cyber-attacks following the team’s defeat.
President Tinubu, expressing his pride in the team, emphasized the importance of resilience and unity in the face of challenges. “Let this passing event not dispirit us but bring us together to work harder,” he urged, addressing the team and the nation at large. He also encouraged Nigerian youth to pursue their dreams with determination, assuring them of his administration’s support in realizing those dreams.
The Super Eagles’ performance at AFCON 2023 offered a glimmer of hope amidst the country’s ongoing economic challenges, which have seen a significant rise in living costs following policy changes implemented by Tinubu’s administration, including the end of fuel subsidies and currency controls. The anticipation and excitement surrounding the tournament had been immense, with the Lagos health ministry even issuing advice to fans on maintaining their health during the match.
By awarding the Super Eagles the MON, President Tinubu has positioned the team among other distinguished recipients of national honours.