Buhari rewards 1985 U-17 winning team

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday fulfilled a 31-year promise when he announced a cash donation of N2 million to each player of the 1985 U-17 male football team. The team had been victories at that year’s FIFA World Cup in China but couldn't get their reward as the current president was toppled in a coup during his time as a military ruler.  

The President made the announcement at Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa Abuja, during a Presidential reception organized in honour of outstanding athletes that had made the country proud in recent sporting competitions.

The coaches and officials of the team were not left out as they also received cash donations of N1.5 million and N200,000 each respectively.

Buhari added that the rewards and recognition were a token of the nation’s appreciation to its sports ambassadors.

“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.

“Beneficiaries: Wrestling: bronze medallist – N1.2 million; coach – N600,000.

“FIBA 2015 Male Afro-Basketball Champions, D’Tiger players/gold medallists – N600,000 each; coaches – N600,000 each; team officials – N250,000 each.

“2015 FIBA Africa U-16 female championship players/silver medallists – N400, 000; coaches – N400, 000 each; team officials – N150, 000 each.

“2015 IPC Asian Open International Powerlifting championship, gold medallists – N600, 000; silver medallists – N450,000; coaches – N450,000; team officials – N250,000 each.

“World English Language Scrabble Champion/beneficiary – N1.5 million; coach – N1.2 million; and team secretary – N450, 000.

“WBC Cruiser-weight title, beneficiary, winner – N1.5 million.

“2015 CAF Africa U-23 Cup of Nations champions/players/gold medallists – half a million naira each; head coach – half a million naira; assistant coaches – N300, 000; other team officials – N300,000.

“2015 FIFA U-17 Male football champions/players/gold medallists, N1.2 million, head coach N900,000, assistant coaches N600,000, team secretary – N300; medical team – N300,000; other officials – N200,000 each.’’

In the course of his speech, Buhari called for a minute’s silence to be observed in honour of the late Kingsley Aikiobare, a member of the 1985 winning team, and ordered that his cash award be given to members of his family.

Dalung, while presenting the athletes and officials to the President, expressed his gratitude to the President for giving the sports sector the needed support that brought about the success being celebrated.

He added that the occasion was aimed at building confidence among Nigerian athletes to encourage them to be winners.

Akpoborie, one of the 1985 U-16 team players, commented that the reception was a welcome development young players will be encouraged and believe in the country and thanked Buhari and Dalung, urging them to keep up the good work.