The President of Ivory Coast, Laurent Gbagbo has advised Africa’s five representatives at this year’s World Cup to put up a good performance.

Kwesi Nyantakyi was among five federation presidents from the continent’s World Cup representatives who had the highest national award of the West African country conferred on them by President Gbagbo.

Kwesi Nyantakyi was decorated with the Order of Ivory Coast at a special ceremony at the President's Palace in Abidjan Thursday.

The Ivorian leader’s move to honour all the five FA presidents is in recognition of their efforts at enhancing the image of the African game through qualification of their national teams to the World Cup finals.

President Gbagbo at the ceremony said that as independent countries, all five nations should show a sign on unity in Germany when the competition gets underway.

Four of the five FA presidents that have their sides representing Africa at next month’s World Cup in Germany were present at the magnificent function.

Angola's FA president was absent at the function.

President Gbagbo also stated that he hopes the awards would spur the various teams one to achieve greater success at the World Cup finals.

While eulogizing the five for their wonderful efforts that secured their countries qualification to the World Cup, the Ivorian leader tasked them to make sure that their teams qualify for the next competition in 2010 to be hosted in Africa by South Africa – the first by an African nation.

The Ghanaian team also presented a Black Stars replica jersey and a Ghana Football Association designed wallclock to the Ivorian leader.

The GFA boss described the award as a massive confidence booster for his administration.

“It’s was a momentous event. The award was President Gbagbo’s recognition of our efforts in ensuring that our countries qualify for the World Cup.

“I hope this would be serve as a morale booster for our boys as the prepare for the World Cup.”

Ghana, Togo, Tunisia, Angola and Ivory Coast would be representing Africa at next month’s football fiesta.

GFA President, Kwesi Nyantakyi together with his team - Randy Abbey, C.K. Yeboah, Fred Dogbatse – all members of the Executive Committee and FA general secretary, Kofi Nsiah are expected in Accra Thursday evening.