Buhari declares his love over Football

Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said the victory recorded by the Golden Eaglets last year during the U-17 FIFA World Cup held in Chile formed his belief that football loves him.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, quoted the President as speaking on Monday after receiving the Glo/CAF Platinum award for Good Leadership, which was conferred on him last week in Abuja in recognition of his support for football, which resulted in Nigeria winning two major international tournaments last year.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Solomon Dalung, received the award on behalf of the President and presented it to him at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.

Buhari was quoted as hinging his position on the fact that Nigeria first won the U-17 World Cup in 1985 in China, when he was the nation’s military Head of State.“Thirty years after the first victory, Nigeria won again last year. What a fabulous coincidence. I think football loves me,” the President told the delegation.

He thanked the Confederation of African Football for honouring him.

The Glo/CAF awards are held annually to reward deserving players, coaches, managers and supporters of African football.

Dalung had shortly before presenting the award recalled that two major tournaments were won under Buhari in 2015.