President Goodluck Jonathan
Following their feat by winning the FIFA Under-17 World Cup held in the United Arab Emirates, President Goodluck Jonathan Sunday showered cash on the Golden Eaglets.
Following their feat by winning the FIFA Under-17 World Cup held in the United Arab Emirates, President Goodluck Jonathan Sunday showered cash on the Golden Eaglets.
The president announced a cash gift N3 million for the head coach, N2.5million each for the three assistant coaches, N2million each for the players, team doctor, physiotherapist while team secretary got N500,000. Media officer, team coordinator and equipment manager all got N300,000 each.
For some members of the supporters club, the president said they would be given national honours.
For some members of the supporters club, the president said they would be given national honours.
Elated Jonathan at a dinner in honour of the Eaglets, said their victory has brought honour and pride to the country.
The President noted that the boys in seven months have transformed from being second best in Africa (they finished second at the African Under-17 Championships held in Morocco in May) to being the best in the world today.
He said sheer dedication, discipline and sportsmanship led to the team succeeding.
He said sheer dedication, discipline and sportsmanship led to the team succeeding.
According to him, the Eaglets’ feat was the latest in the number of championships Team Nigeria has won under his watch as president, noting that "this is definitely the golden era in Nigerian sports".
The President said the sports sector was reorganised after the 2012 disastrous outing at the London 2012 Olympics, and a presidential retreat was called to find solution to it. "And today, here we are winning on all fronts."
Jonathan restated his unflinching support for the sector for more victories in future championships.
Jonathan restated his unflinching support for the sector for more victories in future championships.
He gave kudos to the Eaglets for setting records as the only country to win the championship four times and also by scoring 26 goals in the tournament.
"You won fairly and convincingly and we are very proud of you. This victory is for Africa and the beginning of revival in the nation's football.
"Let this victory be a start off point for you, your family and your country" Jonathan said.
"You won fairly and convincingly and we are very proud of you. This victory is for Africa and the beginning of revival in the nation's football.
"Let this victory be a start off point for you, your family and your country" Jonathan said.
The president commended the coaching crew for the feat adding that, "for the celebration not to be short-lived, their talents must be developed.
"We have been conquering the world at Under-17 level there is no reason why we cannot win at the senior level. This is a world-class team and must remain champions from category to category".
"We have been conquering the world at Under-17 level there is no reason why we cannot win at the senior level. This is a world-class team and must remain champions from category to category".
He charged state governments and the private sector to lend their support and celebrate the Eaglets for making Nigerians across the globe proud.
Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, noted that the victories recorded under the Jonathan's administration have demonstrated that "Your Excellency's place is secured as the most successful president in sports in Nigeria".
Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, noted that the victories recorded under the Jonathan's administration have demonstrated that "Your Excellency's place is secured as the most successful president in sports in Nigeria".
According to him, the successes recorded in 2013 were as a result of consistency and evidence that the transformation agenda of Mr. President was working.
He stressed that the Eaglets though unsong, emerged through training and sheer determination of the coaching crew brought about their emergence as world champions today.
"They emerged from an extremely merit system and have been together for more than two years," he said.
The minister said the boys are not only excellent footballers they are also excellent human beings as they displayed excellent sportsmanship when they went about helping the Iraqis boys up from their heap of defeat.
According to Abdullahi, if properly managed "the future of these boys is secured for 10 year and beyond".
According to Abdullahi, if properly managed "the future of these boys is secured for 10 year and beyond".
Dignitaries at the reception were Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President, David Mark, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, governors of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Niger and Plateau states.
Others are deputy governors of Imo and Kano states, the National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bamanga Tukur, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, members of Federal Executive Council (FEC), service chiefs, and the ambassador of Russia to Nigeria.
Others were the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Chairman, Aminu Maigari and board members, Director General, National Sports Commission (NSC), Gbenga Elegbeleye, among others.
0 comments:
Post a Comment