In a recent interview on the renowned sports platform, Sports World, Honorable Udofot Essien, a prominent board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) representing the South-South region, shared his perspective on the rewards and awards presented to the Super Eagles following their outstanding performance at the African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
During the conversation, the two-term Principal Officer of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly addressed the varied opinions circulating among Nigerians regarding the accolades received by the national football team.
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The Super Eagles were honoured with landed property in the Federal Capital Territory and houses within the country, alongside the prestigious national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
Reflecting on the matter, Hon. Udofot Essien defended the decisions made, asserting, “I don’t think it is proper to condemn the awards being bestowed on the players, and the rewards given to them.
Even teams like DR Congo, which left in the second round were celebrated well in their country, same as Guinea, they were also celebrated and they never reached where we got in the competition.”
Furthermore, he lauded the Federal Government, particularly the administration led by President Tinubu, for their swift action in clearing the outstanding salaries of Coach Jose Peseiro.
He expressed his support for the government’s decision to recognize the achievements of the Super Eagles, deeming it justified and commendable.
“For the Federal Government to reward these players, it is justified and commendable,” he emphasized. “Being second out of 54 CAF members in the continent is never a bad record. So I don’t support the argument that their reward was not justified.”
Hon. Udofot Essien’s remarks underscored his belief that the recognition and rewards bestowed upon the Super Eagles were well-deserved, given their exemplary performance and their status as one of Africa’s top football teams.
