Telecommunications tycoon Michael Adenuga yesterday morning rewarded the victorious Super Eagles with a cash gift of $1 million.
Nigeria on Sunday night pipped Burkina Faso 1-0 to clinch their third Nations Cup title 19 years after their last triumph.
Top officials informed MTNFootball.com that Adenuja received the Eagles squad in Johannesburg where he made his donation.
Adenuga’s telephone company are the major sponsors of the national teams.
Africa’s richest man Alikjo Dangote has already rewarded the team with $800,000, while the country’s President Goodluck Jonathan will receive the team at a special reception in Abuja tonight.
Jonathan is expected to announce national awards for the squad, cash gifts as well as house gifts most likely in Abuja as was the case when the team won the tournament in 1980 and 1994.
The President has hailed Sunday’s victory, saying it gives Africa hope.
“We have emerged as the beacon of hope on the African continent by proving to Africa and the world that a strong Nigerian team put together and trained by a Nigerian coach can stand the test of time and successfully rise to the challenge of the most formidable opponent,” lauded Jonathan.
“The Nigerian spirit stands strong and steady as we march to the destination of greatness.”??
Various state governors have also indicated interest to host the team during a nation-wide trophy tour.
In the meantime, the country’s players’ union, APFON, have saluted the courage of Keshi to encourage players from the domestic league, while demanding for the authorities to improve on the working conditions of the players in the competition.
“We hope the authorities will now improve on the welfare and working conditions of our players in the domestic league after what the players from this league produced at the Nations Cup,” said APFON executive secretary Austin Popo.