Buhari Splashes Cash On Victorious Nigerian Athletes, Including 1985 Eaglets’ Squad

President Muhammadu Buhari has doled out various sums of money to victorious Nigerian athletes and footballers at different international competitions, including the 1985 Golden Eaglets’ squad that clinched the maiden edition of the FIFA Under-17 World
Championship.
The President, who hosted the athletes and their officials today at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Aso Villa, said that he considered it a special privilege from God that he is alive to fulfill his promise in 1985 to reward the winners of the maiden edition of the FIFA Under-17 World Championship.
The President expressed sadness however that a member of the 1985 Golden Eaglets, Kingsley Aikhionbare, was not around to partake in the fulfillment of his promise which he made exactly 30 years ago. Aikhionbare died in London in 1996. Buhari ordered a one-minute silence in his honour.
The President said that the reason for the 30 years delay in rewarding the Golden Eaglets had to do with the fact that leadership at the state level had changed hands so many times under different dispensations and political parties and yet it was these state governments that were supposed to implement most of the pledges to the players and officials.
“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.”
He praised athletes and officials for their consistency in doing the nation proud at various international competitions, adding that Nigerian athletes, despite
prevailing challenges, have always proven to the rest of the world that the Nigerian spirit is indomitable.
The President appreciated the determination, willpower and penchant for success being witnessed in the sports sector in recent times even as he advised 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.
“This Administration’s policy of “change” must reflect in the way we do things either as individuals or institutions. 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.
“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:

2015 World Wrestling Championship

FIBA 2015 Male Afro-Basketball Champion, D’Tigers

2015 FIBA Africa Under 16 Female Championships

2015 IPC Asian Open International Powerlifting Championship

World English Language Scrabble Champion

WBC Silver Cruiser Weight Title

2015 CAF Under 23 Cup Of Nations Champions

2015 FIFA Under 17 Male Football Champions

1985 FIFA Under 17 Male Football Champions

Late Aikhionbare’s Next of Kin should collect his money on behalf of his family.” [myad]