Buhari receives FIFA World Cup, Bobsled team, others

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday received the FIFA World Cup trophy to be competed for by qualified nations at the forthcoming Russian 2018.

The cup, presently on a tour of some countries of the world, was presented to him at a ceremony inside the Banquet Hall of the presidential villa, Abuja.

Also presented to the president were members of Africa’s first Bobsled team made up of Seun Adigun, Ngozi Onwumere and Akuoma Omeoga.

The United States-based team represented the country at the just-concluded Winter Olympics in South Korea.

Also received were members of the home-based CHAN Super Eagles who emerged runners-up in the recently concluded home-based African Cup of Nations in Morocco as well as basketball and Paralympic teams.

The FIFA trophy was presented to the president by a representative of the world football ruling body and former France international, Christian Kerembeu, who said the purpose of bringing the coveted cup to the country ahead of the tournament was to rekindle the passion and inspire Nigerians.

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He advised the Super Eagles to be confident in their ability to enable them to bring the cup back to the country.

President Buhari, who did not announce any rewards for the sportsmen and women, thanked FIFA for choosing two cities in the country for the cup tour.

He also thanked Coca-Cola, sponsors of the tour, for their involvement in sports development in the country.

Buhari expressed his administration’s commitment to empowering the youth through sports.

The guests were introduced by the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung.