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The Cross River
State government, on Sunday, presented the Super Eagles team that won
the 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifying match played against
Madagascar in Calabar, a N10 million cheque for good performance.

The match, which
was played at the U. J Esuene Stadium in Calabar, was won by the team
who thrashed their opponent, Barea of Madagascar, two goals to nil.

The governor, who
also bank-rolled the expenses of the African Cup of Nations qualifier
against the Islanders, said it was just a token to the boys for a job
well done while he enjoined the football house to bring more matches to
Calabar where they will always be welcome.

The deputy governor
of the state, Efiok Cobham, who made the donation on behalf of the
state governor, Liyel Imoke, during a banquet organised for the team at
the Peregrino Lodge, Calabar, challenged the new look national team to
scale up their performance in order to regain public confidence in them.

Mr. Cobham also
challenged the new leadership of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF)
to brace up for a more profound responsibility of improving on the
performance of the new team, claiming that the donation was made in
recognition of how they have redeemed their image with the 2-0 victory.

Claiming that
football was first played in Nigeria in Calabar, the deputy governor
expressed regrets that the round leather game was yet to develop
professionally and managerially, and implored football administrators
to make sure that the senior national football team becomes a force to
be reckoned in the world.

Brilliant future

According to him,
although the past has been replete with a chequered history and dismal
performances, the future was still bright if there is zeal and
commitment by all the participants in the success of the most popular
sport on earth.

“I see the ability
to rise again,” Mr. Cobham said, “and Nigerians expect the re-branded
team to bring victory and glory to them in all outings.”

He said that the
government is making efforts to ensure that Calabar remains the home of
football in Nigeria, as it started years back with some members of the
then national team coming from the state.

In his response, the chief coach of the Super Eagles, Austin
Eguaveon, said he was overwhelmed by the gesture of the Cross River
State government and assured that the team will continue to do the
nation proud in subsequent outings.