Thursday, 14 November 2013

Sports: GOLDEN EAGLETS GET BABANGIDA ALIYU’S N20M, LANDED PROPERTY

FIFA invites Iheanacho, Alampasu to Ballon d'Or

PLAYERS and officials of the FIFA U-17 World Cup champions, Golden Eaglets, were all smiles on Tuesday evening when Niger State Governor Mu'azu Babangida

Aliyu doled out a total of N20 million to them, as well as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for winning the cadet cup for an unprecedented fourth time.

The Talban Minna at a dinner in honour of the team at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna, 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 governor,

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 N12 million and N5 million respectively to the players and technical crew, Aliyu also gave N3 million to accompanying NFF's board members and officials and also offered 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, just as he advised the NFF to keep the team intact for future challenges.

Meanwhile, Golden Eaglets' duo of midfielder Kelechi Iheanacho and goalkeeper Dele Alampasu have been invited by the world's soccer ruling body, FIFA as part of dignitaries to witness the yearly Ballon d'Or to be hosted in Zurich next year.

FIFA noted that the duo, who emerged on top of the honours' rack at the just concluded FIFA U-17 World Cup in the UAE have been chosen to be part of the select crowd that would witness the gala after winning the Adidas Golden Ball Award and Golden Gloves Award on the wings of Nigeria's record fourth World Cup trophy.

"On behalf of FIFA, I would like to congratulate you once again on winning the Adidas Golden Ball Award (Iheanacho); Golden Gloves (Alampasu) at this year's FIFA's U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates for the best player of the tournament," wrote Sandra Marfurt, Head of Special Events and Guest Management.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.

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