The Nigerian government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has delivered on its long-standing pledge to reward the Super Eagles for their impressive runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations held in Côte d’Ivoire.
Nearly two years after the promise was made in early 2024, players from that squad have now formally received their national honours certificates, along with title documents for housing allocations in either Abuja or Lagos and land grants in the Federal Capital Territory.
The presentation ceremony took place on December 22, 2025, at the team’s hotel in Fez, Morocco, just a day before Nigeria’s opening match at the ongoing 2025 AFCON.
It was conducted by National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko, in the presence of Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau and a high-level delegation including senators, house representatives, customs officials, and embassy staff.
Notable honours included the Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) for captain William Troost-Ekong, who was named Player of the Tournament in 2023, while players like Victor Osimhen and Ahmed Musa received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), with others awarded the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
Dikko emphasized that this swift fulfillment—unlike past promises that took decades—reflects a new commitment to athlete welfare and timely recognition of national service.The gesture comes as a significant morale booster for the Super Eagles, who are chasing a fourth continental title in Morocco.
Coming on the heels of the Super Eagles’ painful failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—following a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the CAF playoffs last month, despite a pending NFF appeal over alleged ineligible players—the gesture provides a significant lift. Stung by missing consecutive World Cups for the first time in decades, players like Victor Osimhen have openly stated that the disappointment is fueling their determination at this AFCON.
Under coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles are chasing a fourth continental title in Morocco. Nigeria kicks off their Group C campaign today, December 23, 2025, against Tanzania at the Fez Stadium, with subsequent matches against Tunisia and Uganda to follow.
This timely reward underscores the government’s support as the team aims to channel recent setbacks into on-field success and go one better than their silver medal from the previous edition.