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Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Ivory Coast president rewards football team for their AFCON win

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast President, Alassane Ouattara, gifted all the players of the national football team, who won the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) last Sunday, hosted by the country, 50 million CFA francs (76,224 euros) and a house valued at the same amount.

The victorious Elephants, African champions in 2023, received medals from Ouattara and each member of the squad received a monetary gift.

In the country’s National Order of Merit, team officials were awarded the rank of Commander, while the coaches and players were named Chevalier and officers.

"This AFCON has allowed us to strengthen our unity around our beloved Ivory Coast," stated Ouattara, who also pledged 300 million CFA francs (approximately 457,300 euros) for the Ivory Coast Football Federation and 400 million (around 609,800 euros) for the coaching staff.

Furthermore, he also promised rewards for the event organizers, security personnel, volunteers, and the support teams of the Ivorian national team.

"You deserve this recognition and national support," added the president.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Sports of Ivory Coast, Robert Beugré Mambé, during a reception at the Presidential Palace for the players of the Ivorian national team.

The Elephants triumphed last Sunday against Nigeria in the AFCON final, winning 2-1.

They secured the championship in a tournament filled with setbacks and doubts, undergoing a mid-tournament coaching change and experiencing a poor group stage.

Led by the talent of Simon Adingra, the provider of both assists, and the contributions of former Barcelona player Frank Kessie and Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastian Haller, who returned to the pitch a year ago after overcoming testicular cancer, they clinched the title in their fifth final appearance.

The country had won twice, in 1992 and 2015, and lost in 2006 and 2012.

Additionally, Ivory Coast matched Nigeria, both countries now having secured three trophies in their football history.

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