AFCON: President Tinubu announce national award to Super Eagles’ players

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a national award of Member of the Order of the Niger ( MON) to members of the Super Eagles squad and their coaching crew that won silver medal at the just concluded AFCON finals in Cote d’Ivoire.

Apart from the national award, each member of the team will also receive a flat and a plot of land in Abuja.

The President made the announcement Tuesday when he received members of the team at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking at the well attended reception, the President commended the good football artistry, fighting spirit and patriotism exhibited by the players throughout the duration of the tournament noting that Nigerians are proud of their achievement.

“I must have to express the appreciation of the Federal Government and the whole Nigerians to the entire team for representing the country well in Cote d’Ivoire.

“Although you did not come back with the trophy but we’re happy with the silver medal which is an indication that you’re one of the best in Africa” the President said.

The President charged the players not to be disappointed with their loss to Cote d’Ivoire in the finals but to focus on the world cup qualifiers that will commence next month

Speaking on behalf of the team, Skipper, Ahmed Musa expressed happiness with the Presidential gesture even as he apologised on behalf of his team mates for their failure to bring back the trophy.

” On behalf of the entire team, I want to commend the President for recognizing our efforts and we’re really excited about this gesture. His fatherly advice and timely release of funds to the team made us go far in the competition and we want to say a very big thank you to Mr. President and all Nigerians.

“It’s equally important that I once again aplogise to Nigerians for our inability to win the trophy which is part of football but I’m assuring all that we will learn from our mistakes in the forthcoming qualifying games