Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja
president Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, received the World Cup trophy currently touring Nigeria.
Former France International, Christian Karembeu, presented the trophy to Buhari on behalf of the world football body at the new Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.
The FIFA delegation was led by the President, Coca Cola West Africa, Peter Njonjo.
Buhari was joined at the event by members of the Federal Executive Council, who were at the Presidential Villa for their weekly meeting.
The President also seized the opportunity of the event to host the CHAN Super Eagles.
The team won silver medal at the competition held in Morocco in January.
He also received the bobsleigh team who represented the country at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games in North Korea.
Buhari promised that the government would support the Eagles ahead of the World Cup in Russia in June.
The President commended Coca Cola for investing in football, urging other private organisations to emulate the firm.
Buhari also commended the CHAN Eagles and the bobsleigh team for making the nation proud.
The Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, said Nigeria was hosting the World Cup trophy because the national team qualified for the competition.
“We have worked very hard for it and we will continue to make Nigeria proud,” he said.
“Sport under your (Buhari’s) administration is moving. It’s been harvest of medals under your leadership. Sport is about funding and you have given support.”
Njonjo said the tour would extend to 91 cities in 51 countries, courtesy of Coca Cola.
He said, “Nigeria will enjoy the special consideration of hosting the trophy for four days and in two cities – Lagos and Abuja.”
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