Members of the victorious Golden Eaglets of Nigeria have been rewarded with N2m each for winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup concluded on Friday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Similarly, Head Coach of the team, Manu Gara received a reward of N3m while his assistants got N2.5m. A sum of N500,000 went to the team doctor, team physiotherapist and team secretary, while the team coordinator, medical officer, chief technical officer and curator received N300,000 each.
President Jonathan made the announcement after receiving the trophy and shaking members and officials of the team at a reception in their honour at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.
“You will also be honoured, you the team, the handlers, the coach, and the officials including some key members of the supporters club and the Nigeria Football Association will be rewarded when we give national honours”, the president said.
He particularly appreciated the team for dominating the world convincingly despite only emerging second best on the continent before the world cup.
“Nigeria is now the only country to win the U-17 world cup four times and create a new record of 26 goals”, he added.
“However amidst our joy and celebration, we must underline that the enduring test of the victory we have achieved will be the progress of these 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”.
Also speaking, Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi described Jonathan as the most successful of all presidents in the area of sports, courtesy of his transformation agenda.
“This team is a work in progress”, he said. If properly managed, the future of Nigeria football is secured for the next 10 years with these boys”.
Government officials present at the reception include Governor of Kogi State, Idris Wada; Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio; and Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang.
Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal, PDP National Chairman Bamanga Tukur, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim also attended.
