The Elephants at the party once again. After winning the CAN 2024 final against Nigeria on Sunday, the Ivory Coast players were received on Tuesday February 13 at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan. The Ivorian President, Alassane Ouattara, presented them with a decoration and bonuses to each.

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

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

All the 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,” said President Ouattara during this ceremony, in the presence of the entire government and presidents of institutions.

Read alsoIn pictures: the triumphant parade of the Elephants in Abidjan with the CAN 2024 trophy

“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”.

The players' “thank you” to President Ouattara for his support

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

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 at the time you said it,” said declared Max-Alain Gradel.

Read alsoCAN 2024: young Adingra and captain Gradel, winning offensive duo for the Elephants

Ivory Coast managed an almost miraculous journey to win this CAN: on the verge of elimination after its rout against Equatorial Guinea, it defied the odds and beat Senegal, Mali, DR Congo and Nigeria .

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 party of opposition, in a press release.

With AFP

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