Members of the Super Eagles squad that finished second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations have officially received their national honours certificates along with title documents for houses and land allocations promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It would be recalled that a few days after the team lost to Ivory Coast in the final last year, President Bola Tinubu hosted the team at the Presidential Villa, and conferred the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) on each squad member.
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He also approved a plot of land in the Federal Capital Territory and a flat for every player in recognition of their performance.
However, The presentation took place on December 22, 2025, at the team’s hotel in Fez, Morocco, ahead of their opening match in the new AFCON qualifying campaign.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau said the gesture underlined the Government’s commitment to sports.
He said: “The president graciously promised houses and lands, as well as national honours, and today those promises are being fulfilled.
“There was no reason to begin another AFCON campaign without honouring that pledge. This shows seriousness and respect for the players.”
He expressed confidence in the team’s chances of winning the tournament in Morocco.
Gusau said: “We have prepared with the clear objective of winning the trophy. Success here will lift the spirits of Nigerians everywhere.
“We have prepared with the clear objective of winning the trophy. Success here will lift the spirits of Nigerians everywhere.
“It has not been easy, but the players deserve comfort and respect. We must always find ways to support them.
Similarly, National Sports Commission Chairman, Shehu Dikko, said the
Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), said the government decided to deliver the promises before the tournament.
He said: “It was a firm decision of the government that every promise must be fulfilled before our first AFCON match.
“Previously, such pledges took nearly 20 years. This time, we acted promptly to show a new trajectory for Nigerian sports.
“Whatever President Bola Tinubu promises, he delivers on time. This is about trust, motivation and shared prosperity.”
Dikko clarified that most players were awarded the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
However, Ahmed Musa and Victor Osimhen received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), having previously been conferred with the MON.
The brief ceremony was led by Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, and attended by several dignitaries, including Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports; Hon. Kabiru Amadu, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports; Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale; President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Ibrahim Gusau; Senior Special Assistant to the President Mrs. Nathan-Mash; Nigerian High Commission officials; and Mallam Saleh Amadu, among others.