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, 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.