THE GOLDEN EAGLETS AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. Some people have started grumbling over what President Jonathan described as ”very very little tokens” from the federal government, while rewarding the magical Golden Eaglets at the special reception he held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja for them yesterday. The President announced a cash reward of N2 million to each of the team’s 19 players. N3 million to the head coach, Manu Garba N2.5 million each to the two assistant coaches, Nduka Ugbade and Emmanuel Amunike. The team’s doctor, physiotherapist, secretary, and the Chief Technical Officer were rewarded with N500,000 each. Team Co-ordinator, Media Officer and Curator were given N300,000 each. The President added that the players, all their handlers and some key officials of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club would be given national honours at a later date. Now from all the available treasures being embezzled on a daily basis by politicians, civil servants and business moguls who add very little value to our Nationness, I am happy that some teenagers are getting this largesse as a very very token reward. After all I have been personally been praying for a younger generation to emerge as genuine millionaires in Nigeria. Nobody should be deceived that football is an easy game by sitting under an air conditioned home to support foreigners they will never meet. I have young footballers I am mentoring and see what they go through. We are still waiting for the state governments, the private sector and public-spirited individuals to follow the federal government’s step in rewarding the Eaglets as he had urged. This might be coming from a man in whom many are displeased, but it is okay.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Nov 2013 09:11:38 +0000