For making Nigeria proud by winning the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup which held in the UAE, President Goodluck Jonathan has announced cash rewards and national honours for the Golden Eaglets and their handlers.
Making the announcement at a special reception in honour of the victorious Golden Eaglets, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Sunday, the President announced a cash reward of N2 million to each of the team’s 19 players.
The head coach, Manu Garba was given N3, while each to the two assistant coaches, Nduka Ugbade and Emmanuel Amunike got N2.5 million.
The team’s doctor, physiotherapist, secretary, and the Chief Technical Officer were rewarded with N500,000 each.
Also, the Team Co-ordinator, Media Officer and Curator were given N300,000 each.
Also, the President said that the players, all their handlers and some key officials of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club would be given national honours at a later date.
Describing the cash rewards as “very very little tokens” from the federal government, Jonathan urged state governments, the private sector and public-spirited individuals to follow the federal government’s step in rewarding the Eaglets.
The President who expressed his excitement at the honour the Eaglets brought to the nation, extolled the team’s dedication, discipline and spirit of sportsmanship.
“With commitment and hard work, from being the second best in Africa, the Eaglets had transformed to the best in the world by winning the World Cup”.
The President attributed Nigeria’s success in sports over the years to the pro-active measures and policy action taken by his administration after the country’s disappointing performance at the 2012 London Olympics.
He assured that his administration would continue to provide necessary support in terms of facilities and funding to the sports sector.
“The victory of the Eaglets was for the whole of Africa and the beginning of the revival in the nation’s sports sector,” Jonathan said.
Dignitaries present at the event include, Vice-President Namadi Sambo, the Senate President, Sen. David Mark, and his Deputy, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu.
Others included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal and his Deputy, Hon Emeka Ihedioha.
State governors such as Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, Jonah Jang of Plateau, Babangida Aliyu of Niger, Liyel Imoke of Cross Rivers, ministers and presidential aides, were also at the event.
Very gud well done job