Buhari on Wednesday, March 7 assured the Super Eagles of the needed support to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, while receiving the FIFA World Cup trophy at the State House in Abuja.
“The Federal Government will ensure that necessary support is given to facilitate for successful participation of the Super Eagles at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia,” he said.
Today at the State House President @MBuhari received the FIFA World Cup Trophy (currently touring Nigeria), the @NGSuperEagles Team that represented Nigeria at #CHAN2018, and Nigeria’s Winter Olympics Bobsleigh Team. #asovillatoday pic.twitter.com/Z9uLaFI7i3
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) March 7, 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.
FIFA representative Christian Karembeu presented the World Cup trophy to President Buhari at the event attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha.
Also present were Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung; President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, and NFF First Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi, among others.
President Buhari described football as a platform for economic development, saying it is a huge source of empowerment to the teeming Nigerian youths.
He also received members of the CHAN Super Eagles team and the Bobsleigh Winter Olympic team, whom he commended for their success and show of patriotism for the nation.
President Buhari thanked FIFA for choosing two cities in Nigeria for the cup tour.
He also thanked Coca-Cola, sponsors of the tour, for their involvement in sports development in the country.
