President Goodluck Jonathan will be in Brazil this summer to support the Super Eagles in their quest to lift the prestigious FIFA World Cup trophy, as ‘Nigeria’s Official Number One Supporter.’
Speaking at a colourful ceremony inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday morning, where he was decorated as Grand Patron of Nigeria Football Supporters Club, President Jonathan also hailed the efforts of the National Sports Commission, Nigeria Football Federation
and Nigeria Football Supporters Club in the numerous successes that Nigeria National Teams have achieved in the recent past.
Dedicating the honour to all Members of the Federal Executive Council and Nigerians of goodwill at home and in Diaspora, the President also pledged that his administration will continue to give maximum support and assistance to all Nigerian sportsmen and women to bring glory to the country.
Jonathan said, I have always been keen supporter of our national teams in all sports. This ceremony however, officially confers on me the formal responsibility of leading our supporters in cheering our national football teams whenever we are engaged in competitions. I hope to be with you in Brazil.
“The Federal Government and indeed all Nigerians appreciate and we need to encourage you to go to Brazil. The Federal Government is going to give you a token but I will personally consult with the senior boys to add something to that.
“The Federal Government is going to start it with the sum of N50 million. But I am hopeful that by the time I will talk to some of our senior boys, I think the money may even double”.
It will be recalled that since President Jonathan came into office, Nigeria Football Federation has brought immense honour and glory to Nigeria through the National Teams, with a total of 10 trophies in the cabinet.
These trophies include the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, 2011 African Youth Championship, 2010 African Women Championship, trophies from prestigious international friendlies against Argentina, Catalonia and South Africa, and three editions of COPA Lagos International Beach Soccer competition.
The Super Eagles have also qualified for this year’s FIFA World Cup finals, with the Falconets and Flamingoes through to take part in this year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup respectively.
“The Year 2014 is a very important one for our nation, as we have the FIFA World Cup and the Commonwealth Games ahead of us. The Federal Government will not relent in giving support to all our athletes in all sports to excel. I am indeed honoured to be officially recognized as Nigeria’s Number One Supporter. I have always been a keen supporter of all our National Teams.”
Speaking at the ceremony, President -General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Oladipo hailed the President’s keen interest and personal motivation of all the National Teams, which has resulted in tremendous successes over the years..
President of Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari joined Vice President Namadi Sambo, Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, Director-General of NSC, Gbenga Elegbeleye and Oladipo in decorating President Jonathan with the ceremonial dress, medallions, muffler, Staff of Office and trophy.
