President/Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has splashed the sum of N130 million on the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, for reaching the finals of the ongoing 29thAfrica Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa.
The national team, Super Eagles reached the finals of AFCON 2013 by defeating the Malian national team 4-1.
A statement from Dangote Group Thursday explained that the gesture was part of Dangote Group’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) to promote and encourage sports development in Nigeria.
The donation is to acknowledge the exploits of the national team at the AFCON and stimulate them to bring home the coveted trophy.
Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abudllahi, speaking on the donation said: “Dangote has always demonstrated commitment to government and people of Nigeria. We are happy over the gesture shown to the players and the coaching crew. It is an example for other well-meaning Nigerians to follow.”
Football enthusiasts are commending Aliko Dangote on the gesture, describing it as a necessary tonic that would inspire the Super Eagles to win the final match on Sunday, February 10 against the Stallions of Burkina Faso.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, also known as the Orange Africa Cup of Nations for sponsorship reasons, kicked off from January 19 while the finals will be played on February 10, 2013. The competition is organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Starting from this edition, the tournament was switched to being held in odd-numbered years instead of even-numbered years so that it does not clash with the FIFA World Cup.
Source: thisday
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