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President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji
Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) on Monday evening seized the opportunity to further
salute the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal
Republic, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for his unwavering dedication to
motivating and encouraging Nigeria’s living sports heroes, and never forgetting
to pay homage to those who have passed on.
“Mr. President has taken the bull by the horn to
abolish the era when the nation’s sports heroes laboured in vain. Their sweat
is now well-rewarded as deserved. I take cues from the honours and gifts handed
to the Super Eagles when they finished as runners-up at the Africa Cup of
Nations last year, and to the Super Falcons who just returned from winning the
Women AFCON in Morocco.
“Our heroes deserve all the recognition, appreciation
and celebration that we can give them whether they are alive or dead. That is
the culture that we should birth and nurture,” Gusau said at the Night of
Tributes organized for Nigeria’s sports icons at the Nigeria Institute of
International Affairs, Lagos on Monday night.
The event, which was put together by Air Peace airline
(whose chairman, Allen Onyema has continued to show interest in the well-being
of former Nigeria sports heroes) and former Nigeria captain Olusegun Odegbami
(a relentless advocate of the recognition and proper appreciation of the
nation’s sporting icons), paid tributes to former Nigeria captains ‘Chairman’
Christian Chukwu and Peter Rufai, former internationals Charles Bassey and
Moses Effiong, and boxing champion Obisia Nwakpa – who all passed on within the
past few months.
“People talk about the neglect of our sporting heroes, but we can see that President
Tinubu is changing the narrative. When the Eagles won silver medals at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote
d’Ivoire early last year, Mr. President rewarded the
team handsomely. We
can all see what he has done for the Super Falcons for winning the WAFCON in Morocco,” Gusau
said, in a speech read on his
behalf by a Member of the NFF Executive Committee, Chief George Aluo.
The NFF boss was also full of praise for the trio of
Air Peace boss, Allen Onyema, Chief Olusegun Odegbami and the
Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Professor Eghosa Osaghae for
putting together the Night of Tributes
for the departed legends.
“I salute all those who have deemed it fit to honour ‘Chairman’ Chukwu and the other
legends. These legends did Nigeria proud in their different lifetimes. They were warriors. They defended
our colours,
inspired our youth and lifted our spirits. We will never forget
their amazing contributions to Nigeria football.”
Estate developer gifts Nnadozie, Lookman plots of land
in abuja
A well-known estate developing company, Jedo
Investment Company Ltd has donated plots of land worth 400 square metres each,
within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to Super Falcons’ goalkeeper
Chiamaka Nnadozie and reigning Africa Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman. The
land is situated inside the Jedo Mega Estate in Ushafa, Abuja.
In a letter signed by its General Manager (Human and
Business Relations), Anthony Onwuma, Jedo Investment said it was “particularly
inspired” by Nnadozie’s performance as Super Falcons’ goalkeeper at the
recently-concluded 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
“Your efforts not only helped secure the championship but also served as a
shining example of dedication and excellence for millions of Nigerians and
football lovers around the world.”
With regards to Lookman, the reigning Africa Player of
the Year, the company noted: “Your outstanding performance, resilience, and
excellence on the pitch have not only brought immense pride to Nigeria but have
also cemented your position as one of the finest in the world today. Your
achievement is a testament to hard work, discipline, and an unyielding
commitment to excellence values that resonate deeply with our brand.”
Nnadozie, who is also the reigning Africa Goalkeeper
of the Year (retaining the title she won in 2023), was selected as the Best
Goalkeeper of the 13th Women AFCON, and has had a fabulous past
three years at club level in Europe.
Both star players have been offered the position of
Brand Ambassador for Jedo Investment company.
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