A day after their exquisite and efficient performance against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa – conquerors of seven-time champions and host nation, Egypt – that saw them reach the semi-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Super Eagles received pledges of more dollar rain from two of Africa’s richest businessmen, Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola.
On a visit to the team’s Le Meridien Cairo Airport hotel on Thursday morning, during which he urged the players to even redouble their efforts in order to cross the semi-final stage on Sunday, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick put a call through to the two well-known philanthropists and tasked them to commit to supporting the team.
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While Dangote made a pledge of $50,000 to the team for every goal in their remaining two matches at the championship, Otedola pledged the sum of $25,000 for every goal.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who holds Nigeria’s second-highest national honour (GCON) is the President of Dangote Group and is ranked as the richest person of African descent in the world. The Dangote Group has interests in various commodities in Nigeria and other African countries.
Oil baron, Femi Otedola has recently been involved in a number of commendable interventions for ailing former Nigerian international players, including 1980 AFCON winning team – Captain Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu and goalkeeper, Peter Fregene.
[READ ALSO: Otedola shifts focus to Geregu Power Plc with a $1 billion investment]
Further words of encouragement came from His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), following Wednesday night’s victory, with the President urging “the team and their handlers to be focused, disciplined and scale the remaining two hurdles to glory.”
Congratulations to the Super Eagles on a well-deserved victory over South Africa, tonight. You represent the resilient and indomitable Nigerian spirit. Two more victories, and the coveted Trophy will come home to us. All Nigerians are looking forward eagerly.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) July 10, 2019