Jonathan rewards Eaglets with N2m each

For winning the U17 FIFA World Cup, the Golden Eaglets have been rewarded with  N2m each by the federal government.

The Head Coach, Manu Garba got N3m while the assistant coaches will get N2.5 million each.

Other beneficiaries of the presidential awards are the   Doctor, Physiotherapist, and team secretary who  got N500,000 each while the team coordinator, medical officer, chief technical officer and curator are to get N300,000 each.

Members of the team are also to be given national awards for the victory.

President Goodluck Jonathan announced the award on Sunday after receiving the trophy and giving the members of the team presidential handshake at the reception held in their honour at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.

He appealed to state governments and businessmen to support the little token given to the team by the Federal government.

Jonathan noted that the team progressed from being the second best in Africa to the best in the world.

Noting that the victory is for the whole of Africa, he said that the team won fairly and convincingly.

He thanked the coaches and handlers for a job well done on the players.

Jonathan said: “Nigeria is now the only country to win the U-17 world cup four times and new total record of 26 goals.”

“However amidst our joy and celebration, we must underline that the enduring test of the victory we have achieved will be the progress of this players.”

“We have been doing very well at the junior level. If we can conquer the world at U-17, there is no reason why we cannot conquer the world at the highest level.”

“Our celebration today will be short lived if we don’t progress to win U-20, and of course the Senior Eagles that will represent us at subsequent tournaments. You cannot afford to relax on today’s laurels.” He stated

He stressed that the successes being recorded in sports under his administration was due to the roadmap generated from the Presidential Retreat on Sports and other strategies developed by his government.
Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi noted that with all the achievements recorded in sports, President Jonathan is the most successful of all his predecessors.

Stressing that the transformation agenda of the administration is working, he said that the team was discovered through a proper screening process.

Noting that the team is a work in progress, he said that Nigeria’s place is secured for the next ten years.

“If properly managed, the future of Nigeria football is secured for the next ten years with this boys.” He stated.

Among state governors at the reception on Sunday  included Idris Wada (Kogi), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) and Jonah Jang (Plateau).

Also at the occasion include were  the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, the Senate President, Senator David Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal.

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bamanga Tukur, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim also graced the occasion.

Many Ministers and members of the diplomatic corp including the Mexican Ambassador to Nigeria also attended the cocktail reception for the team.