President Bola Tinubu hailed the team for showcasing the power of diversity and team spirit during their thrilling campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire.
The Nigerian squad, according to the President, exemplified what it means to come together for a common goal, turning their diverse backgrounds into their greatest asset on the international stage.
At an exclusive reception at the State House in Abuja, the President didn't just celebrate the team's success; he spotlighted the profound lessons in resilience, unity, and dedication the Super Eagles have imparted.
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"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," the President remarked, underlining the team's incredible journey from underdogs to silver medalists as reported by Presidency Nigeria on X.
Despite starting on shaky ground, the Super Eagles' determination saw them soar to the finals, facing challenges head-on and providing Nigerians with moments of sheer joy and pride.
President Tinubu's message was clear: "You were determined. We salute your resilience. You lifted our spirits, and you made us proud. You made us smile as Nigerians."
A Pledge for Continued Support and National Honors
President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to sports and youth development, promising to engage with the team on ways to elevate sports in Nigeria further.
"As your President, I will go out to attract greater private sector investment 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," he assured.
In a grand gesture of appreciation, the President awarded each team member the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and announced a generous donation of a flat and a plot of land to each player, solidifying his support for their hard work and achievements.
The Team's Response: A Promise for Gold
The team, represented by Vice-Captain William Troost-Ekong, expressed their gratitude and a renewed commitment to strive for even higher achievements.
"We are very grateful for your support during our time in Ivory Coast. We did our best until the final... Now we are here with a silver medal... 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," Troost-Ekong pledged.