President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday formally unveiled the trophy of the President’s Cup.
The teenage football tournament, according to the Minister of Sports, Tamuno Danagogo, is designed to discover young talents and nurture them.
Shortly before unveiling the trophy, the President was also decorated as the Grand Patron of the tournament.
Jonathan paid glowing tributes to the ex-internationals who were present to decorate him, saying they brought glory and pride to the country.
He expressed delight at the decision to come up with a template that will be used to build younger ones so that they can follow the footsteps of the stars.
He noted that soccer had remained the greatest unifying factor among Nigerians.
The President said, “On behalf of the government of the country, we thank you for your sincere commitment to continue to drive soccer to project football in our country, so that we will continue to be on top.
“One thing that all Nigerians know that brought unity to this country is the game of soccer.
“Whenever you people are playing, those of us who watch do not know the difference between a Muslim or a Christian; we don’t know the difference between a Northerner and a Southerner or an Easterner or a Westerner.
“We always see ourselves as Nigerians and that is the story. You have done very well for this country, we believe the younger ones will emulate you and also do what you have done.
“For today, I thank you for this, as I formally unveil the President’s Cup and of course the customised football for the purpose.”
Dagogo described the President’s Cup as a private sector contribution to football development.
Those who were on hand to decorate the President included Kanu Nwakwo, Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Emmanuel Babayaro, Garba Lawal, Augustine Eguavoen and Shuaibu Amodu among others.
