At an impressive ceremony inside the Government House, Kaduna on Thursday, Yero showered five players – defenders Efe Ambrose and Juwon Oshaniwa and midfielders Reuben Gabriel, Obiora Nwankwo and Victor Moses, with the sum of N1 million and plot of land each in the state capital, Kaduna
Browsing: Africa Cup of Nations
Speaking during a thank you visit to his office by the leadership of the NFF, Ihejirika said he is aware of the daily challenges that the NFF is faced with, as every Nigerian is an expert, an analyst and a seasoned commentator on football all at once
Mimiko praised Oboabona for his heroic display at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament and also for being a good ambassador of the state
Also, President of the Spanish Football Federation, Angel Maria Villar Llona, in a letter dated February 11, 2013, congratulated Maigaria and the NFF for the triumph
The NCA lampooned the Nigeria Football Federation for ‘terrorising’ Keshi while the Nations Cup was still on with the threat of sack, adding that unless the football federation desists from such act, Nigerian football will remain underdeveloped
Atta, Achor and Alaiya said but for the Aminu Maigari-led NFF board, it could have been a different story at South Africa 2013
Adeowle, in an email message to The Eagle Online, said that the Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi, has proven that if the country’s football is left to Nigerian footballers to manage, the sky can only be the limit
This is because the world soccer ruling body has increased the total prize money by 14 per cent, compared to the last edition in South Africa in 2009
But by claiming their third title, Nigeria (30th, up 22) have not only ended a 19-year drought since they last won the tournament, but have also climbed 22 places to 30th – their best ranking since August 2010 – while beaten finalists, Burkina Faso (55th, up 37), have moved up a massive 37 places to 55th. Hosts South Africa (60th, up 25) have also enjoyed a significant leap of 25 places
At a presidential reception for the heroes, at State House, Abuja on Tuesday, President Jonathan showered monetary and national award gifts on players and officials of the team, which won the Cup of Nations for the country for the third time in the competition’s 56-year history
Jonathan, at a reception for the officials and players on Tuesday, announced a cash incentive of N10 million to the Head Coach of the team, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, and N5 million to other coaches and players
Prior to the commencement of the 2013, the issue of who will hoist Africa flag at the Brazil 2013 generated a heated debate with the former Afcon champions, Zambia, laying claim to the ticket
Although he previously played for England at junior levels, Moses said that winning gold for his native country was simply his best moment so far
Meanwhile, ACN has criticised President Goodluck Jonathan for opting to jet to London for the launch of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation instead of travelling to South Africa to witness the final match of the Africa Cup of Nations
While Moses won the Samsung Fair Player of the Tournament, Emenike was the Pepsi Tournament Top Scorer and Obi and Ornage Man of the Match
Jonathan, in a statement by presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, thanked Coach Stephen Keshi and all members of the team who worked very hard and played with great focus, dedication, artistry and patriotism to make Nigeria the proud champions of Africa once again after 19 years of setbacks in the competition
Home boy and Warri Wolves striker, Sunday Mba, scored the only goal that separated the two sides
Dbanj will be performing his popular motivational track, ‘Top Of The World’
Nigeria is seeking her third title while Burkina Faso could grab her first honour at Africa’s apex soccer fiesta
Keshi however assured Nigerians not to panic over the two players as the medics are working round the clock to ensure that they are fit for the final, even as he said that in the case of the unexpected, he has capable replacements to fit into the shoes of the duo