Our victories sign of my affinity with football, says Buhari

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has described the victories recorded by Nigeria within the short period of his second coming as the country’s leader as an indication of the relationship between him and the game of football.

The President was speaking after receiving the Glo/CAF Platinum Award for Good Leadership, which was conferred on him at the weekend in Abuja in recognition of his support for football, which resulted in Nigeria winning two major international tournaments last year.

Buhari, who recollected Nigeria’s achievement in the youths category, as the country first won the Under-17 World Cup in 1985 in China, when he was military head of state, said: “30 years after the first victory, Nigeria won again last year.
“What a fabulous coincidence. I think football loves me.”

He thanked the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for honouring him with the award.
Youths and Sports Development Minister, Mr. Solomon Dalung, who received the award on behalf of the President and presented it to him at the Presidential Villa, agreed with President Buhari.

According to Dalung, “Under your administration, we won the Under 17 World Cup and we also won the Under 23 African Cup of Nations.
“We have had very good fortune in football since you came to office and the sports family is very happy.”
Dalung, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Chinyeaka Christian Ohaa, also presented a plaque from ‘Friends of Buhari’ to the president.