Governor Imoke with the AFCON trophy flanked by NFF Vice President Mike Umeh, Coach Stephen Keshi, players and officials of the Super Eagles during Wednesday’s Cup presentation ceremony in Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, Wednesday described the Super Eagles AFCON 2013 win as the tonic needed by Nigeria to reinvent itself as a country and become the best developed country on the continent of Africa.
Imoke made this declaration at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office, while playing host to the national team, which recently emerged champions of Africa during the last Nations Cup held in South Africa.
“We must give you credit for the merit you achieved by winning this trophy through capacity, self belief, confidence and sacrifice,” he said amidst applause in the jammed hall.
He said his joy new no bounds when on the medals presentation ceremony, he was watching a team made entirely of black players and Nigerians receiving the medals.
“It shows the tournament was made for Africa and was won by Africa, unlike in the past when we had white coaches being the only ones that can win trophies for Nigeria. Keshi and his crew must stand to be counted among all time greats of our nation,” he said.
He thereafter announced a bulk donation of N25 million to the entire team of coaches, officials and players, and a plot of land each in a choice area of the state capital, Calabar. To the NFF for their wonderful organizational abilities, the governor gave them N5million.
Earlier Sports Commissioner, Patrick Ugbe thanked the governor for his support. NFF Vice President, Chief Mike Umeh spoke in similar vein, assuring the governor that his love for sports, particularly football through support for the Super Eagles and the Golden Eaglets will remain indelible in the minds of true sports lovers in the country.
“Today, we stand proud before Your Excellency and members of Cross River State government, with the glittering, most coveted trophy in African football right there before you!
“Let me also use this opportunity to express our very sincere appreciation to Your Excellency and Government for the massive support and assistance for the U-17 National Team, Golden Eaglets, to gestate and bond well here in Calabar, and to also play and win their qualifying matches for the African U-17 Championship which will take place in Morocco next month. Your gestures have been marvellous.”
Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi and skipper, Vincent Enyeama, said they were simply overwhelmed by the show of love by Governor Imoke and his fatherly advise at all times, assuring that they will do him and the nation proud at the forthcoming Confederations Cup to be hosted by Brazil in June.
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