JOHANNESBURG — Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has rewarded the Nigeria Super Eagles with a gift of $800 000 for reaching tomorrow’s African Nations final.
Reuters
Two-time champions Nigeria have marched to the championship game in Johannesburg against fellow West Africans Burkina Faso after they last featured in the final in 2000.
A statement from the Dangote group of companies said their chief executive rewarded the team as part of his company’s corporate social responsibility to promote sports development in Nigeria.
“Dangote has always demonstrated commitment to the 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,” commended Nigeria sports minister Bolaji Abdullahi.
Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi set the ball rolling when he donated $100 000 to the team after their opening Group C match against Burkina Faso.
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to watch the final on Sunday, while over a dozen executive governors and top government officials are also headed for South Africa to cheer the team.
Nigeria last won the Afcon in 1994 in Tunisia. Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi is also poised to become only the second person after Mahmoud Al-Gohary of Egypt to win the continental top prize as a player and as a coach.
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Winners of Sunday’s final will also represent Africa in next year’s Fifa Confederations Cup in Brazil.
