U-17 World Cup: Golden Eaglets Get N2m Each from President Jonathan

President Goodluck yesterday splashed cash gift on 2013 World under-17 champions, Golden Eaglets and their coaching crew, saying their outstanding performance in the United Arab Emirates has brought pride to the country and the African continent.

To each of the players, Jonathan announced N2million as a token from the federal government. The head coach, Manu Garba was given N3million, while his assistants, Emmanuel Amunike, Nduka Ugbade and the goal keeper trainee had N2.5 million each.

The team doctor, physiotherapist and secretary were given N500,000 each, while the rest of other technical crew members got N300,000 each.

Jonathan, who described the cash gift as a small token,  implored state governors and businessmen in the country to assist the team by donating generously to them. He added  that the federal government was a grandfather to the team and as such was too frail and stressed to do anything tangible.

The president recalled that seven months ago when the Golden Eaglets came home with the Silver cup, having attained the second position in the CAF under-17 championship, he had urged them to double their efforts and win the under-17 world cup.

He expressed delight that the boys heed his advice by going forward from second best in Africa to establish themselves as the best in the world within seven months, saying that “this is definitely a golden era in Nigerian sports.

Jonathan assured Nigerians that in line with his administration’s transformation agenda, his government will continue to provide the necessary facilities to ensure sportsmen and women in the country rule the world of sports.

Congratulating the team for what he described as a well deserved victory, the president urged the Eaglets to maintain the spirit of unity and togetherness, saying if they can win at the junior level, there was no reason for them not to conquer the world at the higher level.

Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi who had earlier said President Jonathan is the most successful president in the sports sector attributed the Eaglets victory to the transformation agenda of the Jonathan administration, saying the potency, the swagger and the over all skills of the players were all made in Nigeria.

Senate President, David Mark; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bamanga Tukur as well as some ministers were also present at the occasion to cheer the Eaglets.

Governors who were present at the event included Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Godswill Akpabio of
(Akwa Ibom), Idris Wada (Kogi ) and Liyel Imoke of (Cross River).

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