Jonathan splashes cash on CHAN Eagles

 By Olalekan Adetayo

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday announced a gift of N1m each for the 23 Super Eagles players that came third in the just-concluded African Nations Championship held in South Africa.

Jonathan made the announcement during a presidential reception held in honour of the players at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday.

The President also announced a gift of N1.5m for the Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, and N1m each for the three assistant coaches — Daniel Amokachi, Ike Shorounmu and Valere Houndinou.

The team Secretary, the team doctor, physiotherapist, technical coordinator, the curator, psychologist, and the media officer, got N.5m each.

Jonathan said ordinarily Nigerians would expect that the nation should only celebrate when the team wins gold but he decided to host the players because they displayed an uncommon degree of resilience and discipline throughout the competition.

He said although the players did not win the tournament, they made the nation proud and won the hearts of Nigerians.

The President made a specific reference to the team’s match against Morocco during which they came from three goals down to win.

He said, “The match showed that although we did not win the gold, we won the hearts of Nigerians. I am delighted to receive the Super Eagles who did the nation proud.

“I am particularly proud of this team for displaying an uncommon degree of resilience and discipline throughout the tournament.

“I keenly followed your performance; you displayed a never-say-die spirit. You may not have won, but you performed gallantly and made Nigerians proud. Efforts being put in sports by government are yielding results, although more need to be done. You brought glory and honour to Nigeria and it is appreciated.”

Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, in his opening remarks, said this period was the greatest moment for sports in the history of the nation, saying Jonathan would be remembered as the best President ever.

Abdullahi recalled that he was reluctant to brief the Federal Executive Council about the team’s performance in South Africa because he felt the President is now used to winning gold and bronze was not enough for him.

He said the President however encouraged him to brief the council. This, he said, was a rare display of sportsmanship.

The reception was attended by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, state governors, members of the National Assembly and members of the Federal Executive Council among others.