The Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha, has showered the sum of N1 million each to four players of the Golden Eaglets’ team and the sum of N2 million to the assistant coach who are indigenes of Imo state.
While receiving four of the players Kelechi Iheanacho, Chidiebere Nwakali, Chidera Ezeh and Uzoha Odinaka alongside the team’s Assistant Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke at the Government House in Owerri the Imo state capital, the governor congratulated the players for making the state and the entire continent proud in the just concluded U-17 World Cup competition in Dubai.
He said it is a great honour for the state under his administration, that out of the 26 goals scored by Nigeria at the competition, 9 goals were scored by indigenes of the state.
The governor said apart from the cash gift to the players and their coach, the state government is also giving them a piece of land each in choice areas within the capital city and also take up the responsibility of their education up to tertiary level.
One of the players, Kelechi Iheanacho, won the most valuable player at the tournament, expressed joy over his success and shared his experience at the competition.
The players and coach, who arrived from Abuja through the Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, alongside the deputy governor of the state, Eze Madumere were driven in a motorcade round the city before moving to the Government House to meet the governor.
I Didn’t Place 1 Million Euro Price Tag
Meanwhile, the father of Kelechi Iheanacho, Mr. James Iheanacho has debunked allegations that he has slammed a one million euro price tag on his son, describing the rumour as “untrue and all lies perpetrated from the camp of his enemies”.
Speaking to our Imo state correspondent from his home in Owerri, Iheanacho Snr. said he was “shocked and surprised” to read on the pages of the dailies that he has placed a huge sum on his son adding that there was never a time he “discussed such issue with any agent or person” as regards placing such amount on his son.
He said it is obvious that such evil lie is coming from the camp of his enemies who are not happy with the present success of his son and are out to tarnish the image of his family.