The Super Eagles lost 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast in Abidjan on Sunday, but President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said he was proud of the side’s resilience.
Each player in the national squad received the Member of the Order of the Niger, one of the country’s highest honours, as well as a flat and a piece of land in the region around the capital.
The President while speaking at a reception in honour of the players at the State House in Abuja, on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, commended the squad for their exceptional on-field display of cohesion, tenacity, and persistence, highlighting the pride felt by Nigerians in the Super Eagles’ remarkable journey throughout the competition.
He said: “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.”
Meanwhile, many Nigerians have commended the president for honouring the team despite not winning the tournament, saying it will serve as motivation for other citizens to be willing to give their all to the country.
A Twitter user @Badmus_Uthmaan said; “Nobody believed we were going to reach the Final but these players took us to the Afcon final without losing a match I think they deserve more than that, even Angola that didn’t make it to the Semi-Final got more rewards than the Super Eagle.”
Solomon Ekpemiata reacted; “That’s a good one from Mr President. Congratulations to the eagles, no need to cry over spilled milk, from bronze to silver and from silver next time it will be a gold by the grace of God, well-played guys.”
Obioma Bright wrote; “I love this motivation from FG that sign of good things happening in Nigeria football it will make the players strong proud to play for our dear country.”
Charles De Gideonite said; “Nearly, these patriots would have sent us into widespread jubilation but God no gree. Cos it would give them an edge to cover our eyes with propaganda. There’s nothing to celebrate in hardship. Congratulations Eagles. We need to start appreciating our players in a well-respected manner.”