The Niger State, Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu on Tuesday doled out a total of N20M to players and officials of the Golden Eaglets as well as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for winning the FIFA Under-17 World Cup for an unprecedented fourth time.
The governor, who is also the Talban Minna, at a dinner banquet in honour of the team at the Hon. Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre in Minna on Tuesday as part of activities marking his 58th birthday anniversary said Nigerians should be proud of the Eaglets’ stellar performance in the UAE. He said it was gratifying to note that the team was exemplary throughout the competition and therefore deserved to be celebrated.
“We are very proud of what these youngsters have done in lifting the image of the country through their collective efforts,” said the governor who doubles as chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum.
“With their performance, these young boys gave us a positive image throughout the world and they showed the resilience of being Nigerians.”
Apart from the cash gift of N12M and N5M respectively to the players and technical crew, The CS also gave N3M cash gift to accompanying NFF’s board members and officials; he also offered to gift a plot of land to each member of the team.
“We want you to remain focused and don’t relent in your efforts; and please don’t neglect your education which is very important,” he said, advising the NFF to keep the team intact for future challenges.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Alhaji Aminu Maigari was ably represented at the event by Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande. Also in attendance were NFF board members- Hon. Shehu Adamu, Alh. Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, Alh. Ahmad Muazu Kawu as well as. Dr. Mohammed Sanusi (Director of competitions) and Mr. Ademola Olajire (Assistant Director, Media).
Meanwhile, Golden Eaglets have felicitated with the Chief Servant on his birthday anniversary praying for God’s guidance in his future endeavours.
“We are very grateful to the Chief Servant,” said Niger-State born Salihu Ali-Baba who spoke on behalf of the team.” In the Holy Quran, anybody who appreciates others should be appreciated and celebrated and we thank the Chief Servant for this good gesture to us.”
2013 Ballon d’Or: FIFA Invites Iheanacho, Alampasu
Golden Eaglets’ duo of striker Kelechi Iheanacho and Goalkeeper Dele Alampasu have been invited by world’s soccer ruling body, FIFA as part of dignitaries to witness the annual Ballon d’Or to be hosted in Zurich next year.
FIFA noted that the duo who emerged on top of the honours’ rack at the just concluded FIFA U-17 World Cup in the UAE have been chosen to be part of the select crowd that would witness the gala after for winning
the Adidas Golden Ball Award and Golden Gloves Award on the wings of Nigeria’s record fourth World Cup trophy.
“On behalf of FIFA, I would like to congratulate you once again on winning the Adidas Golden Ball Award(Iheanacho); Golden Gloves(Alampasu) at this year’s FIFA’s U-17 World Cup in the United
Arab Emirates for the best player of the tournament,” wrote Sandra Marfurt,Head of Special Events and Guest Management.
“We would like to end this successful year with you and your companion as our guests of honour at the annual FIFA Ballon d’Or gala at the Zurich. Kongresshaus on Monday, 13 January 2014.”
FIFA’s cheery news was broken to the team on their bus ride to Abuja from Minna where they were hosted to a dinner banquet by Chief Servant of Niger State, Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu.
“I considered this as blessing from God and a privilege to be invited by FIFA to witness the presentation of the awards to the best players,” said Iheanacho who was enjoying Akon’s hit track, Freedom on his phone when the news filtered in.
Equally elated was Alampasu: “I’m so happy with the invitation from FIFA and I have to thank God for this recognition.”
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