They now join the ranks of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, HRM Eze Isaac Ikonne, Dr. Faisal Shuaibu, Chief Silva Ejeh Ameh, Alh. Kamoru Ibitoye Yusuf, Mallam Ibrahim Okposi, Alhaji Shehu Uthman, Barr. Chris Ezem, Davido and Teni to have received the national honours.

Meanwhile, earlier in a statement he released after the match, Tinubu had commended the team, the coach, the crew and the entire management team for their “hard work, assiduity, and sacrifice to come this far in the tournament,” acknowledging the hurdles they consistently surpassed with steadily improving performance as they pulled through to the finals.

The President had urged Nigerians to be of good cheer, stressing that “we won a great victory in the hearts of Africa and the world by our grit, rigour, and determination in the field of play.”

“Let this passing event not dispirit us, but bring us together to work harder. We are a great nation bound as one by the green-white-green banner of resilience, joy, hope, duty, and untiring love.

“To those cherished Nigerian youths expressing their gifts in communities, drawing lines in the sand as they play football in their humble rectangles of play, you can be our heroes tomorrow, do not relent in your pursuit. My administration is here to make dreams come true,” Tinubu said.

END.