- The late former President Muhammadu Buhari, in May 2023, conferred a national award on Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen while he was with Napoli
- The presidential recognition honoured his years of contribution to Nigerian football since his emergence on the international scene as a U-17 player
- On Monday, December 22, 2025, Nigeria’s Super Eagles, except Osimhen, received the MON certificates promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering football and sports in Nigeria and Africa.
Fez, Morocco – Shehu Dikko, chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has clarified that all Super Eagles players received the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) except Victor Osimhen and Ahmed Musa, who recently retired from the national team.
Dikko, an appointee of President Bola Tinubu, spoke on Monday, December 22, 2025, during a brief ceremony held at the hotel where the Super Eagles are lodging in Fez, Morocco, for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
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Why did Osimhen, Musa not receive MON?
Dikko explained that Osimhen and Musa were awarded the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) because they had previously received the MON.
Legit.ng reports that the OON is a higher national honour than the MON in Nigeria’s honours system.
It is the country’s second-highest civilian award, given by the president for significant contributions in fields such as sports, arts, business, and academia, with recipients using ‘OON’ as a post-nominal title.
Former team captain William Troost-Ekong was awarded the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for being named the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) player of the tournament.
Speaking during the presentation, Dikko also confirmed that the national honours, houses and land allocations approved by President Tinubu have been processed, with allocation letters issued.
A statement by the NSC, posted on X on Monday night, December 22, partly reads:
“NSC Chairman @ShehuDikko clarified that all players will receive MON except Ahmed Musa and Victor Osimhen that are awarded OON honours, on account of having MON earlier, while William Troost-Ekong is awarded MFR for being named as player of the tournament.”
Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 journey kicks off
Legit.ng reported that Nigeria will play its first match at the ongoing AFCON 2025 on Tuesday evening, December 23, at 6:30 PM against Tanzania.
They will then face Tunisia and Uganda in the group stage.
According to The BBC, Osimhen described the 2025 AFCON as an opportunity for him and his teammates to achieve their dream of winning Africa’s biggest football trophy again.
Source: Instagram
Osimhen, who was part of the Super Eagles team defeated by Ivory Coast in the 2023 final, urged the squad to leave their regrets behind and focus on the challenges ahead as they aim for AFCON success.
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AFCON 2025: Davido thrills fans
Legit.ng earlier reported that Afrobeats music star Davido performed at the 2025 AFCON official kick-off concert in Rabat’s Olm Souissi Fan Zone, Morocco.
The ‘Damiduro’ crooner put Nigeria on the map as he thrilled football fans with some of his hit songs and moves in what was called an ‘electric’ performance.