The Chief Servant (CS) of NigerState, 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 Talban Mina 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 CS 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.”