President Goodluck Jonathan Sunday night splashed cash on the victorious Golden Eaglets for winning the just concluded FIFA U-17 World Cup held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Eaglets beat Mexico 3-0 at the final in Abu Dhabi, to lift the trophy for a record fourth time ahead of Brazil that had won it three times.
Announcing the cash rewards at a grand reception held in their honour at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, President Jonathan said it was in keeping faith with his earlier promise.
Present at the reception were Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, PDP national Chairman, Bamanga Tukur as well as governors Liyel Imoke of Cross Rivers and his Akwa Ibom counterpart, Godswil Akpabio.
Others were Secretary to the Governmnet of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, Minsiters, Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, Marco Antonio, Presidential aides, NSC and NFF top officials and stakeholders in sports.
The President announced N2 million cash reward for each of the players, N3 million for the Head Coach, Manu Garba while each of his assistants got N2.5 million.
Also, Team doctor, physiotherapist and secretary received N500, 000 each while other categories of officials will get N300, 000 each.
President Jonathan also promised to confer national honours on the players, officials and Nigeria Football Federation officials at the next national honours ceremony.
“As the grand-father, Federal Government is grand-father, I wish to announce this very little token and let me appeal to our state governors to also host the team and assist team. No amount of reward can be adequate for these young and great Nigerians. Our nation appreciates you,” the President said.
He recalled charging the team to go and conquer the world when they emerged second best in Africa, saying “”Now, within seven months, they have transformed from being the second best in Africa to being the best in the world”.
President Jonathan described the team as “world class”, urging them “to remain world champions from one tournament to another and from category to category.
“This is definitely a golden era in Nigerian sports”. He reassured that government would continue to provide enabling environment and facilities for our sportsmen and women to continue to excel. I thank the coaching crew for a job well done,” the President said.
Speaking earlier, Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, who formally presented the trophy to the President, recalled the achievements recorded in sports since his assumption of office.
He described Jonathan as the most successful President in the history of Nigerian sports and therefore, congratulated him, saying that the achievements being recorded are as a result of the transformation agenda.
Abdullahi, praised the coaching crew led by Manu Garba “for the excellent work they have done”. The Minister also thanked Governor Liyel Imoke who hosted the team during the preparatory stages, while commending the commitment of the Aminu Maigari-led NFF.
“Winning the worlds cup not the end but the beginning. Properly managed, the future of Nigerian football is secured in the next 10 years and beyond,” the Minister said.
The players and officials took group photographs with the President, Vice President Sambo, Senate President David Mark, Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, Sports Minister, Director-General NSC and NFF President, Aminu Maigari.
