N3b World Cup Campaign: FG raises N80m for Eagles

The Federal Government has raised N80m for the Super Eagles for its FIFA World Cup campaign which gets underway on June 14 to July 15 in Russia.

The amount which was realised at a fund raising gala night at the weekend at the Banquet Hall, State House in Abuja is to ensure that the  team’s participation is not marred by funds.

This was disclosed by the National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman and Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung who acknowledged that funds had always limited the performance of sportsmen and women from excelling at international competitions.

“We are prepared to change this unsatisfactory outcome with presidential support and guidance, as well as stakeholders’
engagement and buy-in.

“Knowing very well that Government alone cannot shoulder all sports expenses, we have decided to strengthen our collaborations with the private sector to mobilize non-state resources,” said Dalung in his opening remark.

He however assured that monies raised would be judiciously used.

A budget of N3b is what is being targeted for the Eagles out of which N1.5b will come from government, and the balance through fund-raising efforts.

Among the donors at the event were AITEO who gave N50m, businessman and Chairman of Atlas Oranto Petroleum Chief Arthur Eze
who donated N25m while Abia and Kano states announced N5m respectively.

Lagos and Kebbi states including Total Nigeria did not disclose their donations.