Players of the Nigerian national football team, coached by Portuguese José Peseiro, received an apartment and land from the country’s President Bola Tinubu, despite their defeat in the final of the African Cup of Nations (CAN2023).
“It’s not easy to accept defeat [2-1 na final com a anfitriã Costa do Marfim]especially when expectations are high but you have demonstrated sportsmanship and resilience throughout the tournament,” President Bola Tinubu said while receiving the Super Eagles delegation.
Despite losing in Sunday’s final, the Nigerian President was proud of the team and thanked them for the “good work” shown at CAN2023, handing the players forms for the immediate distribution of the promised property.
The coach of the Nigerian national team, Portuguese Jose Peseiro, thanked Bola Tinubu for the gesture towards the players and said that, despite the fact that he is 60 years old, this is the first time the president invited him to his home.
“I am honored and proud,” said Jose Peseiro, adding that the Nigerian team “did a fantastic job, showed very good spirit and played well.”
Nigeria lost the CAN2023 final to Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 in Abidjan, taking the lead through a goal from captain Troost-Ekong (38′) but allowing the hosts to bounce back through Franck Kessier (62′) and Sébastien Haller (81′).