Nigerian President Spoils Gold Winning Super Eagles With Money, Properties & Honours

President  Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday announced a cash gift of N5m to each member of the victorious Super Eagles and the team’s three assistant coaches that clinched the gold medal in the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. 

While the Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, was given N10m, members of the technical crew were also given N2m each.The cash gifts also came with a plot of land and national honours for each member the team.

The President with the Super Eagles and the throphy

Keshi bagged the national honour of the Commander of the Order of Niger while his three assistants and the team captain, Joseph Yobo, were conferred with Officer of the Order of Niger.

The remaining players were conferred with Member of the Order of Niger.

Jonathan made the announcement amidst loud ovation from the lucky players during a state dinner he organised in their honour at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, few hours  after their arrival in the country.

The President said two sets of Nigerians youths, musicians and footballers, had been placing the nation on the word map.He described the players as super heroes, saying their victory was an inspiration to  million of Nigerians.

The President celebrating the victory at the villa after the final whistle

He said the trophy was the most precious centenary gift presented to the nation by the team.

The President recalled that there was skepticism on the part of Nigerians on the ability of the team to deliver when they left for the tournament.

He commended them for ignoring criticisms and refusing to surrender by their superlative performance

“The lesson in your victory for all of us is that we should never give up in the midst of criticism. Believe in yourself. With time, you will see the fruits of your labour,” he said.