African Cup of Nations: houses, distinctions, bonuses… discover the rewards granted to the Ivorians

La Côte d'Ivoire a remporté la Coupe d'Afrique des Nations face au Nigéria (2-1) MAXPPP – LEGNAN KOULA

Champions d'Afrique grâce à leur succès face au Nigéria (2-1) ce dimanche 11 février, les joueurs de la Côte d'Ivoire ont été récompensés par le président de la République Alassane Ouattara. 

The Ivorian football team, which became African champions for the third time in its history on Sunday at home, was decorated and awarded Tuesday during a presidential ceremony in Abidjan.

Each player received a bonus from the President of the Republic Alassane Ouattara in the amount of 50 million CFA francs (76,000 euros) and a villa of an identical value.

The coach Emerse Faé who took the reins of the team along the way, after the ouster of Jean-Louis Gasset, receives a bonus of 100 million francs (152,000 euros).

Decorated with the highest distinction

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", launched President Ouattara during this ceremony, in the presence of the entire government and presidents of institutions.

"You cannot imagine to what extent you have succeeded in uniting the Ivorians", added the Head of State who also praised the security forces for "the way in which this CAN was secured".

"We have shown that a united Ivory Coast is capable of many things", added Max-Alain Gradel, the captain of the selection.

A coronation for national unity

The ceremony was also an opportunity for the players to pay tribute to President Ouattara who had publicly encouraged the Elephants on January 23 after the humiliating defeat in the group stages against Equatorial Guinea (4 -0).

"Everyone had turned their backs on us. But you had the words of a father who gives confidence because he trusts. Thank you for what you said when you said it", said Max-Alain Gradel.

Nous sommes Champions d’Afrique !
Quel bonheur !
Bravo, bravo, bravo à nos Éléphants !
Merci pour cette troisième étoile offerte à la Nation ! Nous sommes fiers de vous. #CAN2023 pic.twitter.com/qKKVWh9Sfz

— Alassane Ouattara (@AOuattara_PRCI) February 12, 2024

Ivory Coast achieved an almost miraculous journey to win this CAN: on the verge of elimination after its rout against Equatorial Guinea, it then beat Senegal, Mali, the DRC and Nigeria, defying the predictions.

A triumph coupled with a successful organization of the competition which allowed a moment of national unity in the country.

"Congratulations to the authorities, to President Alassane Ouattara and to all those who organized this CAN on our territory for a 3rd historic victory", greeted Tidjane Thiam, the president of the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI), the main opposition party, in a press release.

The other finalists also rewarded

The Super Eagles, who failed in the final, were also decorated and awarded by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

President Tinubu received this Tuesday, February 13 in Abuja during an official ceremony the Nigerian football team, returning to the country after its journey at the African Cup of Nations (CAN). ), beaten 2-1 in the final by Ivory Coast. 

Each player on the national team was decorated with the Cross of the Order of the Niger, one of the country's highest distinctions, and 39;is seen offering an apartment and a property in the Abuja area, the federal capital. 

Thank you Nigerians…we are back home…thank you for the love🙏🏾🇳🇬⚽️ #SoarSuperEagles #LetsDoItAgain pic.twitter.com/TvOIuh98jK

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 13, 2024

President Tinubu, who received the Super Eagles at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, said he was "proud" of them and applauded their "resilience" and their ability to "raise morale" of 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", said the president.

The defeat against the Elephants in the final, however, deprives the Nigerian people of an opportunity for collective jubilation, which the Head of State would have liked to benefit from while he faces strong criticism due to increased insecurity and the cost of living.