Eaglets receive N10m reward for victory over Niger

The victorious Golden Eaglets squad that thrashed the Junior Menas of Niger, 4-1 on Saturday in the first leg of the Africa U17 Youth Championship qualifiers has received a N10m reward from the executive governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio. An emissary of the governor contacted the team with the good news on Sunday while the team was still basking in the joy of the victory on Saturday. According to the team’s media officer, Morakinyo Abodunrin, the Governor had promised the money just before the team departed for Niamey on Thursday. “I have just been told that you guys are currently with the Golden Eaglets and that you are going to Niger to represent the country. I’m just coming back from an overseas trip but that notwithstanding, I’m giving the players and officials of the team the sum of N10m. “When you come back, you come and pick it for the team,” the governor told the team. Golden Eaglets’ Head coach, Manu Garba (MFR) saluted the Governor’s uncommon gesture, saying that the tremendous amount of goodwill so far enjoyed by the team from the NFF, induvidials and state governments would further challenge the team to do the best. “One of the factors that has so far contributed to our team’s success is the tremendous amount of goodwill we have received from the NFF and individuals and this really motivated the players against Niger," Manu said as heaped praises on all the team's benefactors including the government and people of Cross River state. Said he: "Our meeting with Governor Akpabio on our way to Niamey, was divine because we would not have met him if the NFF did not fly us to Niamey. All these factors motivated us and we are grateful to good people like the governor.”