Buhari To Host Victorious Golden Eaglets January 21

BEVERLY HILLS, January 08, (THEWILL) – The Minister of Youths and Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung, on Friday disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari has picked January 21, 2016 as date for the reception for the victorious Golden Eaglets at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

This is coming on the heels of the Eaglets' defeat of Mali 2-0 to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Chile.

The minister, while noting that the reception would include other individual athletes and teams that won laurels for the country last year, said, “January 21, 2016 has been approved by President Muhammadu Buhari as a day for the reward of all those who have made us proud in sports.”

“Indeed, the Federal Government has approved a comprehensive package for all the athletes and this is not limited to only football but to even scrabble, basketball and all other athletes that made the country proud.

“The recommendation is subject to the approval of the President and since it is a package, it cannot be unveiled until that day,'' the minister said, stressing that a society without a reward system was not worthy to live in.

Dalung commended Nigeria sportsmen and women, noting that their achievements in recent time were an indication that sports development was gradually taking its rightful place in the country.

His words, “Nigeria football and other sports are progressing very well, looking at Nigerians that got awards recently and the result of our outing in recent time.

“We hope that as we approach the Olympic Games, Nigeria will also put up a wonderful performance.”