Ivorian players get monetary gifts and villas
Ivory Coast has been in jubilation since Sunday night after they successfully hosted the African Cup of Nations. Not only did they host, they won the competition in a rollercoaster final that saw them comeback from a goal down against Nigeria, to win 2-1.
The president of the country, Alassane Outtara declared a public holiday on Monday, to celebrate the occasion. The players did a trophy parade on Monday as they drove around Abdijan amidst cheers from thousands of ecstatic ivorians.
The players met with the officials after, and he announced a cash prize of 50 million Francs ($82,152) to each squad member. Coach Emerse Far was given 100 million Francs ($164, 304) for turning the team around after a disastrous group stage campaign under the previous coach.
Every squad member was also gifted a presidential villa worth as much as the cash prize.
The president also addressed the players and congratulated them for a job well done, and he said they have brought joy to the nation. The players also met with fans at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium on Monday night, where the party continued into the late hours.
