President Bola Tinubu has gifted players of the Nigerian Super Eagles who participated in the just concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) plots of land in Abuja for their excellent performance.
Tinubu said the Super Eagles demonstrated team spirit and discipline at the tournament.
Speaking at a reception in honour of the players at the State House in Abuja, on Tuesday, February 13, the President commended the team for their exemplary display of unity, determination, and resilience on the field.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, and shared on the Special Assistant to Tinubu on social media, Olusegun Dada, X handle, on Tuesday, February 13.
Part of the statement reads: “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.
”It is not easy to absorb a loss, particularly when the expectations are high. But you have demonstrated sportsmanship, resilience, and teamship throughout the entire tournament. That is what AFCON stands for, the unity and resilience of the continent. You have done a great job, and I am very proud of you,” the President stated.
Tinubu also conferred national honours on each member of the football team, which clinched the silver medal in the competition, and announced the donation of a flat and a plot of land to each of them.
He decorated each member of the team with Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) lapel pins, while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, immediately distributed forms for the allocation of a plot of land to each of the players.
Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh applauded the President for prioritizing sports development in the country and ensuring support for the team.
