President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday fulfilled his promise to Nduka Ugbade and Nigeria’s U-16 national team that won the maiden edition of the FIFA Youth Championship, 31 years ago.
Buhari also splashed out cash on Nigerian athletes that have done the country proud in football, basketball, wrestling, scrabble, others.
At a reception held at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, President Buhari lauded the athletes for their heroics.
“It gladdens my heart to play host to our dear athletes and officials who have consistently done the nation proud at various international competitions.
“Nigerian athletes, despite prevailing challenges, have always proven to the rest of the world that the Nigerian spirit is indomitable.
“On behalf of all Nigerians, I wish to specially express my appreciation and indeed that of the nation to our athletes and officials for the consistency, determination, willpower and penchant for success being witnessed in the sports sector in recent times. I urge the managers of this sector to keep up the momentum.
“I wish to assure you that the Federal Government of Nigeria would not relent in its efforts to ensure that our sportsmen and women continue to excel in international competitions. I am particularly concerned about our participation at the forthcoming Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
“We must not allow a repetition of the unsavoury experience at the London 2012 Olympics where Nigerian athletes failed to make it to the podium,” he said at the event.
The president said that his Administration’s policy of “change” must reflect in the way we do things either as individuals or institutions, stressing that we must strive to be prudent in the way we manage our time, financial and material resources to ensure victory at the next Olympics. “We must aim for optimal performance at all international competitions,” he said.
President Buhari said that the event was very special to him because, “Almighty Allah has, in His infinite mercies and love, kept me alive to this day and granted me the privilege of being able to fulfill my promise in 1985, to reward the winners of the maiden edition of the FIFA Under-17 World Championship.
“The reason for the 30 years delay is well known. It is however sad to note that a member of the 1985 Golden Eaglets is not here with us today. Please join me in observing a one-minute silence in honour of Kingsley Aikhionbare who died in London, in 1996.
“It is a well known fact that so much water has passed under the bridge between 1985 and now. The State governments that were to implement most of the pledges to the players and officials have changed hands so many times under different dispensations and political parties.
“In line with our belief that the “labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain” we will be saying thank you to our 1985 Golden Eaglets’ players and officials by using the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports template for rewarding outstanding athletes.
“As you are all aware, the financial resources of our nation have been dwindling since last year. Hence what we are offering you today, is not payment or compensation for winning laurels for your country, rather, it is a token of appreciation for your efforts and patriotism while competing for your fatherland.
“In this connection, I have the honour, on behalf of the Government and sports loving Nigerians to announce the following as token of our appreciation to our sports ambassadors.”
The president however caused a stir when he first mistakenly announced rewards of N200m each for the players.
Amidst excitement in the hall, Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, mounted the podium to correct the error.
2015 World Wrestling Championship
Beneficiaries Amount
* Wrestler (Bronze Medallists) N1,200,000.00
* Coaches N6,000,000.00
FIBA 2015 Male Afro-Basketball Champion, D’Tigers
Beneficiaries Amount
* Players (Gold Medallists) N600,000.00
* Coaches N600,000.00
*Team Officials N250,000.00
2015 FIBA Africa Under 16 Female Championships
Beneficiaries Amount
* Players (Silver Medallists) N400,000.00
* Coaches N400,000.00
* Team Officials N150,000.00
2015 IPC Asian Open International Powerlifting Championship
Beneficiaries Amount
* Gold Medallists N600,000.00
* Silver Medallists N450,000.00
* Coaches N450,000.00
* Team Officials N250,000.00
World English Language Scrabble Champion
Beneficiaries Amount
* Player (Gold Medallist) N1,500,000.00
* Coach N1,200,000.00
* Team secretary N450,000.00
WBC Silver Cruiser Weight Title
Beneficiary Amount
* Winner (Title Holder) N1,500,000.00
2015 CAF Under 23 Cup Of Nations Champions
Beneficiaries Amount
* Players (Gold Medallists) N500,000.00
* Head Coach N500,000.00
* Assistant Coaches N300,000.00
*Other Team Officials N300,000.00
2015 FIFA Under 17 Male Football Champions
Beneficiaries Amount
*Players (Gold Medallists) N1,200,000.00
*Head Coach N900,000.00
* Assistant Coaches N600,000.00
* Team Secretary N300,000.00
* Medical Team N300,000.00
* Other Officials N200,000.00
1985 FIFA Under 17 Male Football Champions
Beneficiaries Amount
*Players (Gold Medallists) N2,000,000.00
*Coaches N1,500,000.00
Follow Us
