Players and officials of the Nigeria Super Eagles were, yesterday in USA, handed the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of plots of land promised them by Senator Liyel Imoke, for clinching last year’s African Cup of Nations.
Presenting the document to the players at their W.Buckhead Hotel in Atlanta, president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari, lauded Governor Imoke for his gesture, and also revealed that the Cross River State administrator has notified officials of more goodies in stalk for the senior national team should they keep up their impressive feat at the Brazil 2014 World Cup.
“It is my pleasure to present to you the Certificates of Occupancy of plots of land promised you by Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, a true lover and supporter of Nigeria football, for your victory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
“Governor Imoke has once more demonstrated that he is a man of his words. He has also told me that he has something special for you all if you do Nigeria and Africa proud at the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil. He will be there in Brazil to support you,” Maigari told the players and officials.
The Governor made the pledge when he hosted the players and officials at the Government House, Calabar where the team had presented him with the glittering trophy. He also gave out cash reward. The Certificates of Occupancy were collected from Governor Imoke and delivered to the NFF President in USA by NFF’s Director of Technical, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme.
Most of the players invited for the friendly against Mexico were part of the 23-man squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations for Nigeria for only the third time ever last year. All the coaches and backroom staff present in Atlanta are also legitimate beneficiaries.