Kanyi Okeke
Victorious Super Eagles will be received at a special reception by President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday in the country’s capital of Abuja.
The Eagles will fly on a chartered flight back home to a reception during which the country’s government is expected to announce hefty rewards for the team for winning a third Nations Cup.
The team are scheduled to fly directly to Abuja by 3am local time, while the reception is fixed for 7pm Nigerian time at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
In both 1980 and 1994, when they conquered Africa, the team were rewarded with national honours, houses and cash.
A nation-wide trophy tour has also been proposed.
“There is so much in store for them,” promised Senate President David Mark, who represented the country’s President at Sunday’s final in Johannesburg.
“They are an inspiration for the youth. They have lifted our spirit.”
President Jonathan has personally supported the team and gave them a pep talk on the eve of their big semi-final win over Mali on Wednesday.
He congratulated the team immediately they were crowned continental champions at the expense of surprise team Burkina Faso on Sunday.
[MTN Football]
