Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, has been honored by President Bola Tinubu for securing the silver medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
The president hosted the team at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on Tuesday and conferred each player and official with the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) national award. He also announced the donation of a flat and a plot of land to each of them in the Federal Capital Territory.
President Tinubu praised the team for their resilience, team spirit, and excitement they brought to millions of Nigerians throughout the tournament. He said the team taught Nigerians lessons on diversity, togetherness, and determination.
“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 honored your country. You gave us great excitement. You were determined,” he said.
He also pledged to continue investing in sports and youth development and to attract greater private sector involvement 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,” he said.
A heartbreaking loss
The Super Eagles lost to the host country, Côte d’Ivoire, by a lone goal in the final match on Sunday. The Ivorians scored in the 23rd minute through their star striker, Wilfried Zaha, who capitalized on a defensive error by the Nigerian backline.
The Nigerians fought hard to equalize but were denied by the solid defense and goalkeeping of the Ivorians, who lifted their third AFCON trophy in front of their jubilant home fans.
The Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, said the team was disappointed with the result but proud of their achievement.
“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. In 2019, I was here with a bronze medal. Now, we are here with a silver medal. I have two gold-medal winners beside me here and all we can promise is that we will continue to work hard, and the next time we meet, hopefully, next year, we will be bringing home a gold medal,” he said.
A message of hope
The Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, said the team did a fantastic job and showed a very good spirit and quality. He said he was sad not to bring the cup to the Nigerian people but happy with the team’s performance.
He also thanked President Tinubu for his invitation and said it was an honor and a pride for him.
“I am 60 years old, this is the first time some president has invited me to his house. It is an honor and a pride to me and I thank the President of the Republic of Nigeria for the invitation to me,” he said.
He said he hoped the team would continue to improve and qualify for the 2024 World Cup in Qatar, where they would aim to make history for Nigeria and Africa.
Source: Punch
