Jonathan Hosts Victorious Eagles

Back Eagles pix copy

•Nigeria's Super Eagles at the O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa early today before their departure to Abuja, Nigeria. Inset is the cake presented to the Eagles by the management of Arik Airline inside the aircraft that brought the team to Abuja.

Following their heroic performance at the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in South Africa, President Goodluck Jonathan will tonight host the victorious Super Eagles at a special reception scheduled to take place at Aso Rock Villa, the seat of  government in Abuja.

The coach Stephen Keshi-led Eagles are expected to fly directly from Johannesburg on a chartered Arik flight to a reception during which the Presidency is expected to honour the players for bringing home the trophy.

According to a reliable source with the team in South Africa, the Eagles left the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg as early as 8a.m. Nigerian time and they were scheduled to arrive the Abuja International Airport by 1pm local time, while the reception is fixed for 7pm at the Presidential Villa.

•Nigeria's Super Eagles at the O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa early today before their departure to Abuja, Nigeria. Inset is the  cake presented to the Eagles by the management of Arik Airline inside the aircraft that brought the team to Abuja.
•Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa early today before their departure to Abuja, Nigeria. Inset is the cake presented to the Eagles by the management of Arik Airline inside the aircraft that brought the team to Abuja.

Apart from the presidential reception, a nation-wide trophy tour has also been arranged for the team.

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The House of Representatives will hold a plenary session for the victorious Eagles to show their appreciation for the team. Speaker of the House, Aminu Tambuwal, while congratulating Keshi and his Eagles, described the victory over the Burkinabes on Sunday as a sweet one, adding that it showed the reaffirmation of the superiority of Nigeria over other countries in football.

While commenting on how the Eagles would be rewarded by the Presidency for their performance, Senate President David Mark, who represented President Jonathan at Sunday’s final in Johannesburg, said: “There is so much in store for them. They are an inspiration for the youth. They have lifted our spirits.”

In 1980 and 1994 when Nigeria conquered Africa, the victorious teams were rewarded with national honours, houses and cash. But some of the promises have not been kept

—Bamidele Olowosagba

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