Jonathan, Mark Congratulate AYC Champions

  Goodluck Jonathan

Jaiyeola Andrews and Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan monday congratulated the Flying Eagles of Nigeria on their victory over Senegal in the finals of the 2015 African Youth Soccer Championship on Sunday.

In a statement by the Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, Jonathan joined other soccer-loving Nigerians in applauding the Flying Eagles’ glorious triumph over their Senegalese opponents who, as tournament hosts, played in the finals with the vociferous backing of a partisan home crowd.

The president assured the team that all Nigerians are very proud of their magnificent, all-conquering performance in the tournament, which has earned the country a record seventh African Youth Championship success.

"In keeping with his administration’s policy of giving Nigeria’s sports men and women the greatest possible support and encouragement, which has resulted in the country’s recent successes in international competitions, President Jonathan promises the Flying Eagles that they will have the full backing of the Federal Government for their coming participation in the 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

"The President looks forward to receiving the team at his earliest convenience on their return from Senegal to honour them for bringing more sporting glory to their fatherland" the statement said.

Also speaking on the victory, the Senate President, David Mark, yesterday showered encomiums on the Flying Eagles superlative performance at the tournament, insisting that they had further "stamped our authority as a leading soccer nation in Africa."

He commended the Garba Manu-led team for restoring hope to Nigerian football especially in this tensed election season as he charged Nigerians to emulate the winning spirit of the younger eagles.

Mark said: "This victory coming at this critical moment of the 2015 general elections is a reassurance that the forthcoming elections would be successful. The team spirit displayed by our boys at the championship is an attribute all Nigerians must emulate. Together, we can address our challenges if we resolve to work as one people with a common purpose."

The Senate president also said the victorious Flying Eagles deserved "our commendation and rewards," adding: "They are our heroes. They have rekindled our hope and pride."

He reminded the federal government of the need to accordingly reward the Flying Eagles to serve as an elixir for future laurels for the nation