In recognition of their outstanding victory in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), each of the 27 players and the technical staff of the Ivorian national team is set to receive a substantial reward. President Alassane Ouattara announced that the triumphant squad will be granted $82,000 (Rwf104,878,000) along with a house valued at the same amount.

The decision to reward the players and staff members aims to honor their remarkable achievement as they clinched the continental title, marking the third AFCON victory in Côte d’Ivoire’s history. The team secured the championship by overcoming Nigeria 2-1 in a thrilling final held at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, witnessed by over 57,000 spectators.

President Ouattara confirmed the reward details in a statement, stating, “Every player in Côte d’Ivoire’s AFCON-winning squad is getting $82,000 and a villa worth $82,000. Coach Emerse Fae gets $164,000 (209,756,000).” The Ivorian head of state expressed his joy, saying, “You have brought happiness to all Ivorians, bravo, bravo.”

In addition to the financial rewards, both the players and the technical team have been bestowed with the nation’s highest order as a further acknowledgment of their exceptional contribution to the country’s football success.

With this victory, Côte d’Ivoire joins Nigeria as the only two African nations to have won the AFCON three times, standing alongside football powerhouses like Ghana, Cameroon, and Egypt in the prestigious tournament’s history.