Naira and awards rain for Falconets
by Sammy Wejinya 17 September 2012, 10:12
Members of the Nigerian women’s Under20 team, the Falconets have been rewarded by President Goodluck Jonathan following their impressive showing at the 2012 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Japan.
The Falconets finished in fourth place having lost 0-2 to eventual winners, the United States in the semifinals.
Nigeria’s number one citizen, Jonathan was suitably impressed and subsequently splashed the cash on members of the team.
Each player received N1 million (about $6,400) while officials received the sum of N1.2 million (about $7,600) for their exertions in Japan.
The president said no amount of money or award would be enough to reward the ladies and their officials and that the reception was a modest recognition of their achievements.
“This is a modest recognition, which is just a token in our appreciation of your efforts. It is not the value of the money, but the recognition of your achievement, which is much more than any reward.
“You represented our country to the best of your abilities. You competed among the very best in the world and still kept your heads. You made us proud, and I commend your exceptional courage.
“It is also a great achievement on the part of the Falconets to come fourth in the world. It is not easy. You all helped to put smiles on our faces, and helped to remind the world that Nigeria is still a force in sports," he said.
