AITEO settles coaches’ 2018 emoluments, pledges more support to Nigerian football

Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) principal sponsor, AITEO Group has announced that it has settled all the national teams coaches’ 2018 salaries and other entitlements, which amounts to $600,000 and N320 million. The monies paid to the NFF, according to AITEO, covers its “contractual obligation of providing support to the technical crew of all the teams for the whole of 2018, well beyond the World Cup.” The oil and gas company also reaffirmed its commitment to the development of Nigerian football.

Speaking at the AITEO/NFF Awards held on Monday night, the firm’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Francis Peters appraised the performance of Nigerian football since it teamed up with the NFF and opined that the future looked bright for the country’s game.

He said: “The past few months have been richly rewarding for Nigerian Football. Qualification for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, added to the home-based professionals finishing second place in the recently concluded African Nations Championship (CHAN) Competition, have created a lot of excitement. These performances have fueled our expectations for the country at the forthcoming World Cup.

“We wish all the five teams flying Africa’s flag at the World Cup the very best. We are particularly delighted by NFF’s preparation for the tournament, as is evident in their World Cup plans recently publicized.

“For the Super Eagles, our wish is that the team matches our expectation. AITEO – as the team’s official sponsor – will certainly be in Russia to offer support and encouragement in our usual way.

“The positive changes and accomplishments that have occurred in African Football, over the past 11 months, have not been accidental. We are truly impressed by the direction and vision of the CAF President, Mr. Ahmad Ahmad and his new team, which includes our own Amaju Pinnick, in their quest to elevate African football to a deserved higher level.”

Explaining AITEO’s investment in African football, Peters said the company was committed to the vision of every African, particularly the youth, adding that its business principle was framed around encouraging and empowering the teeming youth population in Nigeria and Africa to realise its potential in all spheres of life.

He also thanked Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode “for his abiding love for sports, which has seen him supporting and encouraging several football, and other sporting projects.”

At the inaugural AITEO/NFF Awards held at the Eko Hotel, Lagos, Chelsea’s Victor Moses was named the Player of the Year. He saw off competition from Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi and 2018 African Nations Championship star, Anthony Okpotu, to claim the main prize.
Asisat Oshoala was selected as the Player of the Year (Women), while Ikoumen Udoh and Rasheedat Ajibade picked up the Young Player of the Year (Men) and Young Player of the Year (Women) awards respectively.

Plateau United manager, Kennedy Boboye won the Coach of the Year (Men) prize for guiding his side to the Nigerian top flight championship last year, while former Super Falcons goalkeeper, Ann Chiejine was named the Coach of the Year (Women).