The Federal Government has announced a donation of N2 million each for members of the victorious team, the Golden Eaglets that won the U-17 World Cup.
The Head Coach, Manu Garba got N3 million while the assistant coaches will get N2.5 million each.
Other beneficiaries of the presidential awards are the team 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.
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.
“You will also be honored, 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 honors,” President Jonathan said.
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 which the team won fairly and convincingly, is for the whole of Africa.
“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
President Jonathan 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.