The Nigerian Federal government has redeemed the pledge of a 3 bedroom in Abuja, made to the Nigerian 1996 Atlanta Olympics football coach, Jo Bonfrere for guiding the Nigerian U-23 team also known as the Dream Team to victory during the competition.
Presenting the keys to Bonfrere during a brief ceremony in Abuja, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, said the reward would inspire the Eagles at the 2018 World Cup competition in Russia.
Fashola said, “Let me on behalf of the President apologise to you that it has taken so long for the Nigerian government to come through. We thank you for your contribution to the development of our country, our youth, football and to say that it is better late than never. Nigeria always comes through, we have come through for you.
“It is proper that with just few days to another World Cup, Nigeria fulfils and redeems this pledge and I hope that this will serve as an inspiration to our players going to the World Cup and the officials that this government will be there for you all the way.
“Ordinarily, this ought to be a short meeting but if it takes 24 years for the government of the country to respond to its citizens, it must assume a news-making event. This is consistent with the commitment that the President has made that once again, he will make Nigerians proud of their country. This country should always be there to respond to the needs and expectations of the citizens.”
Bonfrere who is now 71-year-old thanked the Federal Government saying the gesture would encourage sportsmen and women to work hard, knowing that their achievements would not go unrecognised.