President Goodluck Jonathan Thursday night hosted the home-based Super Eagles to a reception at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
An elated President Jonathan, also announced cash donation of about N30 million for players and officials.
The Super Eagles came third at the recently concluded African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament in Cape Town, South Africa.
The President announced a cash reward of N1 million for each of the 23 players, the head coach, Stephen Keshi, N1.5 million; while his assistants, Daniel Amokachi, Ike Shorounmu and Valerine Ounadinou got N1m each and other team officials- N500, 000.
President Jonathan opined that athletes and players should not only be recognized and celebrated when they win gold but should also be further encourage whenever they put up brilliant performance at major international event.
His words, “We are welcoming them in a golden way even though they won bronze. They did well especially in the game against Morocco to come back from three goals down and still win the game.
“They showed the never say die Nigerian spirit even though we qualified for the tournament for the first time,”
Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, had earlier thanked the President for his fatherly support for Nigerian athletes.
