The reception comes two days after the team lost in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
President Bola Tinubu has awarded the Super Eagles team the Member of the Order of the Niger(MON) national honour for their display at the just concluded AFCON 2023 tournament held in Ivory Coast.
Tinubu on Tuesday morning received the country’s national football team, Super Eagles at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja.
The reception comes two days after the team lost in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
It was learnt that all the team members and officials were in attendance including Alex Iwobi, who had faced cyber-attacks from Nigerian netizens who felt the player did not give his best in the final match.
Cyberbullying of the country’s footballers when they lost a match has been a common trend in the country.
The team captain and Forward player, Ahmed Musa on Monday had appealed to Nigerians and football fans in the country to stop cyberbullying Alex Iwobi.
Musa had written, “Dear fans, I want to please urge you to halt the cyber-bullying directed towards Alex Iwobi. Cyber bullying is not just a violation of decency but also a serious crime. It's hypocritical to claim that football unites us while engaging in such behaviour.
“Losing a game is undoubtedly tough, but targeting a single player for the team's shortcomings is unfair and unjust.
“We win as a team, and we lose as a team. Alex gave his all on the field, just like every member of our squad.
“Instead of spreading negativity, let's show genuine love and support to our players. They need our encouragement now more than ever. Let's uplift each other and stand united, both in victory and defeat.”