The chairman and chief executive officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, has given N10 million to Nigeria’s Super Eagles for yesterday’s win against the Pharaohs of Egypt in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) championship in Cameroun.
The cash gift was a fulfillment of his promise to give the team N10 million for every goal scored in the Eagles’ opening match against Egypt.
Onyema also pledged to give the team N50million should it win the championship.
Onyema made the pledge in Garoua, Cameroon, while speaking to the Super Eagles during half time in their opening game against the Pharaohs, stressed that the players carried the hope and aspirations of over 200 million people and 350 ethnic nationalities on their shoulders.
He urged them to give their best and win the trophy.
“We believe in what you can do, you have the strength as a team. Remember what I told you during the qualifying series. That it is not just an ordinary football match. You are carrying the hopes and aspirations of over 350 ethnic nationalities of our beautiful country.
“You’re playing for the unity of Nigeria. This is your time to play your part in cementing the unity of this nation, as Nigerians from north, south, east and west will celebrate in unison. Do us proud and when you come back with the cup, I’m going to give you N50 million,” he said.
The airline chief harped on the unifying power of football saying whenever the Eagles play Nigerians bury their ethnic and religious differences and forge a united front in support of the team.
Recall that during the qualifying stages, Onyema delivered a similar unity-themed and motivational speech to the Super Eagles on board one of the airline’s aircraft, and gave them a cheque of N20 million.
The Falcons of the 1999 squad also benefitted from Onyema’s N10 million during the 3rd NFF-Aiteo Football Awards last year in Lagos.
