The president praised the ex-international players for putting the nation’s name on the world map during their playing days, noting that victory in sports does not recognize religion, ethnicity nor tribe, adding that it’s all one Nigeria.
Jonathan commended the idea saying that the initiative to groom young footballers was very thoughtful of those who brought pride and glory to Nigeria.
Jonathan, who was inducted as the Grand Patron of the President’s Cup, promised that his administration would partner with the stakeholders to fully support the initiative.
He said, “We remember how you put Nigeria’s name on among the best football nations, you brought glory and pride to our nation. We are happy with you and of course these efforts to come up with a template, a platform that you will use to build the younger ones so that you can groom them, you serving as their role models so that they would take after you and also take our country to a higher level is quite commendable.”
“So on behalf of the government of the country we thank you for your sincere commitment to continue to drive soccer, to project football in our country, so that we will continue to be on top.”
“One thing that all Nigerians know that brought unity to this country is the game of soccer. Whenever you people are playing, those of us who watch do not know the difference between a Moslem or a Christian, we don’t know the difference between a northerner and a southerner or an easterner or a westerner. We also see ourselves as Nigerians and that is the story. You have done very well for this country, we believe the younger ones will emulate you and also do what you have done.”
“For today, I thank you for this, as I formally unveil the President’s Cup and of course the customized football for the purpose.”
Speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Sports, Tammy Dagogo, who accompanied the ex-internationals described the President’s Cup as a private sector contribution to football development which hunts for teenage football talents through tournaments to nurture them for national teams and other clubs.
Among the former players and officials in the delegation were Kanu Nwankwo, Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Emmanuel Babayaro, Garba Lawal, Austin Eguaveon, Shuabu Amodu, James Peters, Kadiri Ikhana, Manu Garba, Patrick Pascal, Anthony Chinasa and Kashimawo Laloko.
Also present were Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye; President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick; Darlington Anyanwau; Musa Uja; Auwalu Shekarau, Ike Neliaku; as well as the Directors-General of Nigeria Television Authority, Shola Omole; and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ladan Salihu.
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