Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s heroics at the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast have earned him N20 million from the Rivers Start government.
Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara announced the gesture while he hosted the goalkeeper and the victorious Rivers Hoopers, the latest basketball champions, at the Council Chambers on Friday.
Fubara recommended the Chipa United of South Africa goal tender for a state award, the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS), the second-highest honour awarded to individuals who have excelled in their profession, and for high-profile politicians like serving and former governors.
For emerging champions of the National Basketball League, the governor also encouraged the development of basketball in the state with a donation of N50 million to the Rivers Hoopers, the state basketball team.
The Nigerian goalkeeper, who went eight hours without conceding goals in the Nation’s Cup, was commended by the governor for his outstanding performance.
The Super Eagles’ crew who were present at the ceremony, Coach Jose Peseiro and Finidi George, equally received a cash reward of N30 million for their efforts at the just concluded AFCON.
Fubara said: “I want to join the great and wonderful people of Rivers State to congratulate you, our brother Stanley Nwabali, and our wonderful team. We are here again in just about four months after you won a local trophy.
“Today, you have brought a national trophy. So, when people say or talk behind us to ask what we are doing, we are achieving those things that are not, maybe, seen physically, but they give joy and fulfilment.
“If we have not encouraged you in a way that motivated you, you won’t be where you are. So, it is part of purposeful governance, administrative efficiency. So, I want to thank you and assure you that we will continue to do our best.”
The governor pointed out that his focus is to create an enabling environment where Rivers people will continue to feel encouraged to do the right thing to align with what he is doing in changing the narrative of how Rivers State is perceived globally.
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