1985 Golden Eaglets: Players Discordant Tunes On Buhari’s Largesse
22nd Jan. 2016
There was contrasting feelings among members of the Golden Eaglets players that won the 1985 U-16 FIFA/JVC World Cup over the cash reward giving to them by President Mohammadu Buhari during Thursday’s hosting at the state house in Abuja.
The team was the first national football team to win a major international competition as Nigeria defeated Germany 2-0 at the Workers’ Stadium, to win the maiden tournament in China PR thanks to Jonathan Akpobories and Victor Igbinoba 4th and 79th minute goal.
The President had promised to host the victorious team during his first tenure as a military head of state but was overthrown and that promise never came to past.
30 years after, President Buhari decide to deem it fit as he hosted and honour some of the golden generation with a cash reward of #2million each at the state house in Abuja.
However, some of the players who were present at the event had contrasting reactions to the money been giving to them by the number one citizen of Nigeria as they expected more from him.
According to a member of the team, Fatai Atere, he said he’s disappointed with the #2million cash reward even though he was happy to meet with his team mates.
“I won’t say I am not happy with the #2million cash reward that Mr President gave us, but then, I expected a lot from him which didn’t happen. If I had known that this was what will be given to us for our effort maybe I would have stayed back in U.S. The good thing about my coming to Nigeria to honour this event was the fact that I am glad to have met some of my team mates that we played together at the 1985 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
“Besides, during his address, Mr President made mention of rewarding the players with #200million; maybe it was a slip of tongue or the actual money in his mind to give us, however, I am so disappointed with this cash reward.
In the part of Jonathan Akpoborie, he lauded the cash reward of Mr President and believed it will go a long way for them
“It is not so much about the reward of #2million, but the fact that after so long we were accorded honour. We should encourage young players home and abroad who are eligible to play for the country.
“When you show appreciation for what sports men and women do, it encourages and inspires others.”
Another member of the team, Nduka Ugbade, revealed that he was so excited to have received another handshake and a cash reward for their heroic performance at the 1985 FIFA U-16 World Cup.
“I am personally delighted and honoured to have been giving the privilege of meeting the president. In fact, we were the first thank God that we are alive to witness what he promised us.
Here is the roll call of players that made Nigeria proud at the World Cup.
Lucky Agbonsevafe, Nduka Ugbade, Fatai Atere, Binabei Numa, Sani Adamu, Bila Momoh, Joseph Babatunde, Tenworimi Duere, Victor Igbinoba, Kingsley Aikhionborie, Mohamed Yayaha, Chukwuma Nwoha, Hilary Adiki, Imama Amapakabor, Baudwin Bazuaye and Dele Abubakar.
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