Ex-Nigeria international Odion Ighalo has been named ambassador of the National Principal’s Cup.
Minister of youth and sports development Sunday Dare made the announcement on Tuesday after receiving Ighalo on a visit at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja which is undergoing rehabilitation.
The appointment comes just days after another ex-international Mikel Obi was named youth ambassador.
Mr Dare’s media office quoted him as saying, “It gladdens our heart in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development when we see our great players excel in all parts of the world, this gives us a sense of national pride. You have stood tall with very good players around the world, I hope that other great internationals, not just football stars will follow in your footsteps by identifying with us on how to move forward.
“Your profile and exploits in the field of play speak a lot and I think the climax in your career is the bold step you took to join Manchester United. I’m more excited that you played for the Under 20, under 23, and the Super Eagles in a very remarkable way. You have served this country faithfully and you will continue to be a good ambassador of this country.
“It is of note that the Principal’s Cup which had been abandoned for 25 years was revived recently. The 2021 edition was just concluded in April with about 250 schools participating. This year’s edition is a test run to bring It back gradually. Right now, we not only have a Principal’s Cup but a National Principal’s Cup. As we roll into the second edition, we will be looking at 2,500 secondary schools participating.
“Note that Principal’s Cup used to be the engine room that supplied most of our best players and it speaks to the heart of Grassroot Sports Development. To give it life, we came up with Flagship Ambassadors of the Principal’s Cup with Daniel Amokachi, Joseph Dosu, Mary Onyali, Tajudeen Disu picked as Ambassadors. You have also been appointed As National Principal’s Cup Ambassador to motivate our young students.”
Ighalo thanked Dare for his efforts in reviving sports in Nigeria, adding “we’ve seen sports moving forward as a business in Nigeria with your push and initiatives.”
