The two CAN finalists have been widely celebrated and rewarded in recent hours. The Ivorian selection, who became African champions this Sunday at home against Nigeria (2-1), was decorated and awarded this Tuesday during a ceremony held in Abidjan.
Each of the 27 Ivorian players received a bonus of 50 million CFA francs (76,000 euros) and a villa of the same value from the President of the Republic, Alassane Ouattara. After the departure of Jean-Louis Gasset, coach Immers Fay, who took over the reins of the team along the way, was credited with a 100 million franc (152,000 euro) bonus.
All players and staff were also decorated with the National Order, the highest distinction in Ivory Coast. “You have brought happiness to all Ivorians, bravo, bravo”President Ouattara was announced during the ceremony, in the presence of all heads of government and institutions.
Nigerians also decorated
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received Nigeria’s selection during an official ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, returning to the country after its narrow defeat in the final against Ivory Coast.
Each player in the national team was decorated with the Cross of the Order of the Niger, one of the country’s highest honours, and offered an apartment and property in the Federal, Abuja area of the capital. President Tinubu declared “pride” He and his applause “Their ability to increase resilience and morale” from the country.
“This defeat should not discourage us, but encourage us to work harder. We are one great nation united by the green-white-green banner of resilience, joy, hope, duty and love.”President announced.
By reaching the CAN final, the Super Eagles, three-time African champions (1980, 1994 and 2013), sparked a wave of excitement in a country reeling from a deep economic crisis.
