By Chesa Chesa
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja received the FIFA World Cup trophy, which is on four-day tour of Nigeria.
He said that the Federal Government would give the Super Eagles maximum support to win the forthcoming World Cup.
Buhariwas handed the six-kilogramme, 18-carat gold trophy by representative of FIFA and retired French International footballer, Mr. Christian Karembeu.
The President, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and other cabinet members took a break from the lengthy meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), to receive the FIFA delegation led by President, Coca Cola West Africa, Peter Njonjo.
Buhari also received the home-based CHAN Super Eagles that won the silver medal at the African championship in Morocco last January.
Also on hand for presidential handshake were two members of the four-member Bobsleigh team that represented Nigeria at the Winter Olympic Team in South Korea last month.
In his remarks, Buhari noted that football has a cult following in Nigeria, cutting across religion and ethnicities; and is a huge platform for empowering youths.
He gave his assurance that the Super Eagles would get the necessary support ahead of the World Cup tournament which starts in June, in Russia.
Buhari also commended the CHAN Super Eagles and Nigeriaa��s Bobsleigh Winter Olympic Team, for making the nation proud.
The Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, explained that Nigeria was hosting then FIFA trophy because it was one of the countries that have qualified to participate in the competition.
He expressed optimism that the trophy would return to the country in July, when the Super Eagles would hopefully win the tournament.
Dalung said: “we have worked very hard for it and we will continue to make Nigeria proud.a�?
He also recalled that the Super Eagles that took part in the CHAN competition in Morocco, advanced to the finals for the first time.
a�?This is the first time Nigeria has gone that far in the history of the completion and returned with a silver.a�?
He further noted that Nigeriaa��s Bobsleigh Winter Olympic Team, hoisted Nigeriaa��s flag for the first time in the competition, although they are based in the United States.
The FIFA representative, Karembeu, in his remarks said Nigeria had a future to build sports.
He said as a World Cup winner and he would like to see the Super Eagles believe in themselves and go far in the competition and bring happiness and joy to the Nigerian people.
The World Cup trophy will be showcased in Abuja and Lagos while the tour will extend to 91 cities in 51 countries, courtesy of Coca Cola.
World Cup: Buhari promises Super Eagles total support
