By Arinze Ude
The victorious Super Eagles team was given a hero’s welcome yesterday as they landed in the country’s capital, Abuja on Tuesday afternoon.
Many dignitaries, school children, men and women of the press and fans were present at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to welcome Stephen Keshi and his boys from their sojourn in South Africa where they beat the likes of Cote D’ivoire, Mali and Burkina Faso to win the country’s first African Cup of Nations title in 19 years.
The Super Eagles team and other guests were entertained by different music bands and dance troupes at a special reception organised by the Presidency in honour of the warriors.
President Goodluck Jonathan at the occasion rewarded the players, coaches and technical crew of the Super Eagles with National Honours, millions of Naira and plots of land in Abuja.
Coach Stephen Keshi – Commander of the Order of Niger (CON). N10million. Plot of land in Abuja
Asst. Coach Daniel Amokachi – Officer of the Order of Niger (OON). N5m. Plot of land in Abuja
Asst. Coach Ike Shorumu – Officer of the Order of Niger (OON). N5m. Plot of land in Abuja
Asst. Coach Sylvanus Okpala – Officer of the Order of Niger (OON). N5m. Plot of land in Abuja
Captain Joseph Yobo – Officer of the Order of Niger (OON). N5million. Plot of land in Abuja
Other Super Eagles players – Member of the Order of Niger (MON). N5million. Plot of land in Abuja
Other members of the technical crew were showered with cash rewards of N2 million each for their contributions to the team’s success.
A very happy President ensured Stephen Keshi of his support in the wake of the coach’s rumoured resignation, imploring him to continue the good job he has started and qualify the country for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
He said, “I want to thank the Super Eagles for their efforts and winning the trophy after 19 years of waiting. In fact, the win in South Africa is the biggest gift of Nigeria’s centenary celebration. I can assure Keshi that he has my full support as coach of the Super Eagles, but he should understand that the task has just begun because the next target is the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. We must qualify for Brazil.”
Aliko Dangote took a leaf from the President and donated N5m to each player and technical crew of the Super Eagles, while Billionaire businessmen Tony Elumelu and Jim Ovia followed suit, donating half a million dollars each to the Super Eagles.
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This article was first published on 13th February 2013
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Chojare Pamela Agboga is a Legal Practitioner, Writer, Editor, Chartered Secretary and Administrator. She is currently working on her first novel 'Weekends are for Loving' as well as a devotional for women.
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