Abidjan – The Ivorian President, Alassane Quattara,in Abidjan on Wednesday, conferred national honours on members of the victorious Elephants, winners of the 2013 Under 17 Africa Nations Cup.

The president also gave 5 million CFA to each member of the team as a mark of government’s appreciation of their victory at the tournament.

The players, who were part of the team that beat the Nigerian Golden Eaglets in the final through penalty shoot-out, were honoured with the Ivorian National Order of Merit and Excellence.

Speaking at the ceremony, Quattara said their victory was a thing of joy and pride to the government and people of Cote d’Ivoire.

“ It is a great pride to us as a country, we are very proud of you and I congratulate you. You are indeed the champions of the continent,’’ he said.

“You clearly fulfilled the promise you made to this country before leaving for the tournament. You are our ambassadors,’’ Quattara also said.

The president expressed the readiness of the government to support the team during the Under 17 World Cup billed to hold in the United Arab Emirate later in the year.

The Golden Eaglets, which came second in the competition as well as Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco and Tunisia, will represent Africa in the World Cup.

The 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup will take place in the United Arab Emirate between Oct. 17 and Nov. 8. (NAN)