Jonathan showers cash, national honour on Eaglets, coaching crew

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday showered cash on victorious Golden Eaglets at the just concluded Under 17 Championship in United Arab Emirate.
While the Head coach got  N3 million, all three Assistant coaches got N2.5million each, Team doctor, physiotherapist and secretary, got N500,000 each while the  Media officer, team coordinator, equipment manager all got N300,000 each.
He also announced that they as well as some members of the Suppers Club will be given national honours but the category was not disclosed.
The President said their victory has brought honour and pride to the country.
The President noted that the boys in seven months have transformed from being second best in Africa (they came second at the African U17 held in Morocco in May)  to being the best in the world today.
He said shear dedication, discipline and sportsmanship led to the team succeeding.
He said the latest victory has brought to five the number of championship  Nigeria has won during the life this administration, saying “this is definitely the golden era in Nigerian sports”.
President Jonathan said the victory is not a surprise because after the 2012 disastrous outing at the London 2012 Olympics, and after the presidential retreat, the sector was reorganised adding “and here we are winning on all fronts today”.
He Pledged continuous support for the sector for more victories in future championships.
He commended the fact that Nigeria set two world records, one being the only country to win the championship four times and by scoring 26 goals in the tournament.
“You won fairly and convincingly and we are very proud of you. This victory is for Africa and the beginning of revival in the nation’s football.
“Let this victory be a start off point for you, your family and your country”.
He thanked the coaching crew for the job well done, but said the true enduring test lies in the successes of the team at the heightest level. “For the celebration not to be short-lived, their talents must be developed.
“We have been conquering the world at U17 level there is no reason why we cannot win at the senior level. This is a world class team and must remain champions from category to category”.
The President called on state governments and the private sector to support and celebrate the boys for doing the nation proud.
The Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi said the various victories recorded under the Jonathan’s administration has demonstrated that “Your Excellency’s place is secured as the most successful president in sports in Nigeria”.
He said the various successes recorded in 2013 was as a result of consistency and evidence that the transformation agenda of Mr. President was working.
He said the boys didn’t just emerge from the blues but training and share determination of the coaching crew brought about their emergence as world champions today.
“They emerged from an extremely merit system and have been together for more than two years”, he disclosed.
He said the boys are not only excellent footballers they are also excellent human beings as they displayed excellent sportsmanship when they went about helping the Iraqis boys up from their heap of defeat.
He said if  properly managed “the future of these boys is secured for 10 year and beyond”.
The highlight of the event was the handing over of the trophy by the Captain of the Team, Musa Mohammed who gave it to the Minister who in turn gave it  to the President.
Some notable dignitaries at the reception were Vice President Namadi Sambo, David Mark, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, governors of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Niger and Plateau.
Others are deputy governors of Imo and Kano states, the National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), members of Federal Executive Council (FEC), Service Chiefs, and the Ambassador of Moscow to Nigeria.
Others were the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Chairman Aminu Maigari and board, Director General National Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye, among others.

- The Citizen

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