2013 Glo CAF Award: Jonathan Gets Platinum Award as Nigeria Reigns.

President Goodluck Jonathan was honoured with a Platinum award at the 2013 Glo Caf award held on Thursday, 9 January, for his support to the development of football in Nigeria.

The award conferred on the head of state of Africa’s most populous nation marked the highpoint of Nigeria’s dominance at the Gala night which took place at the Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Despite missing out on the two flagship awards- the CAF Player of the Year and Player of the Year (based in Africa) awards- the African champions returned four prizes, making them the nation to have scooped most honours.

The Super Eagles were adjudged National Team of the Year and the Golden Eaglets (national U-17 team) as Youth National Team of the Year. The Super Eagles eased past Ethiopia and Burkina Faso to the prize whilst the Eaglets were the only nominee in their category.

Trainer Stephen Keshi was named Coach of the Year at the expense of compatriot Manu Garba and Burkina Faso head coach, Paul Put.

Teenager Kelechi Iheanacho scooped the Most Promising Talent gong, fending off challenges from Saleh Gomaa of Egypt and Ghanaian Ebenezer Assifuah.

President Jonathan and Other Dignitaries at the Welcoming Reception for the Victorious Flying Eagles in November.
President Jonathan and Other Dignitaries at the Welcoming Reception for the Victorious Flying Eagles in November.

The Nigeria Supporters Club also picked up the Fair Play prize to complete an impressive night for Nigeria.

The ceremony was spiced by musical performances from Nigerian talented performer and multiple award winner, D’ banj; masked one and Afro-Calypso originator, Lagbaja; Beninois songstress Zeynab, Africa’s sensational pop twins, P-Square, South African enigmatic singer Lira, prolific Nigerian recording artiste, dancer and songwriter, Flavour as well as Ghanaian performer Sherifa Gunu.

Dignitaries who graced the event include CAF President Issa Hayatou, Executive Governor of Lagos, Babatunde Fashola Raji Fashola, Nigeria’s Minister of Minister of Youth and Sport, Alhaji Bolaji Abdullah, CAF Executive Committee members amongst others.