The founder of Aiteo Group, Benedict Peters, through his company, joined hands with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to celebrate the legacy of Super Eagles team of 1994 during the second edition of the Aiteo-NFF Awards on Monday April 1, 2019 at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.
The Aiteo-NFF awards celebrates and rewards excellent football performance and exceptional contributions to football in Nigeria. In addition, the second edition celebrates the Super Eagles class of 1994. The team won the African Cup of Nations in style and stunned the world with an eclectic display of football skills at the World Cup.
In his speech, Benedict Peters, the Executive Vice Chairman of Aiteo, paid homage to the legacy of the legendary team that stood tall and made Nigeria proud 25 years ago.
“Today, we all remember that golden era with very fond emotions. It was a phenomenal moment when our country spoke one language – football; when we achieved the highest FIFA ranking ever for an African team for our beautiful playing style; and when our team gave us something bigger than a trophy -A legacy”
He gave a historical perspective to Aiteo’s partnership with NFF in the past two years as its biggest sponsor.
“Since we forged this winning partnership, football in Nigeria has witnessed tremendous improvements. We have not only intervened decisively in eliminating financial constraints that hitherto constricted on-field performance; we have also provided strong moral support to the facilitation of instructive platforms such as this, the Aiteo NFF Awards.”
It was a night of glamour and elegance at Nigeria’s premier football awards. The event was attended by prominent people across various facets of society.
Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, who received a special award from the NFF was present, alongside Lagos Governor-elect, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kwara state Governor-elect, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, and Abia state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu.
From the football community, FIFA Secretary-General Fatma Samoura, who also received a special award, graced the event alongside members of football royalty across the world. Members of the NFF were led by the president, Amaju Pinnick and the Vice Presidents, Shehu Dikko and Seyi Akinwunmi, who is the Chairman of the Awards Committee.
During the event, the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick called for a standing ovation to honour Benedict Peters for his steadfast commitment to football in Nigeria.
“Today, Aiteo alone funds 30% of the entire expenditure of the NFF. All the deals we have with Aiteo are also for a duration of five years. We have so many Nigerian billionaires, and we think they should emulate what Aiteo is doing.” Pinnick stated in his poignant speech to eulogise Peters and Aiteo.
The most intriguing moment of the event was the presentation of awards to the Super Eagles Class of 94. Among those present to receive the award in person were: Peter Rufai, Daniel Amokachi, Augustine Eguavoen, Sunday Oliseh, Jay Jay Okocha, Samson Siasia, Edema Fuludu, Mutiu Adepoju, Alloy Agu, Nduka Ugbade, Ben Iroha, Uche Okechukwu, Finidi George, Taribo West and Victor Ikpeba. Daughter of late Super Eagles forward, Rashidi Yekini also walked the stage to receive her father’s award.
Speaking on behalf of the 94 team, Sunday Oliseh said “Indeed it is a great one for me and my teammates, those of us alive; we are very proud and it is also a moment to reflect on those who have passed on.”
The event ended with the presentation of the awards for the Player of the year in the Male and Female categories, won by Ahmed Musa and Onome Ebi respectively.
Anthony Nlebem
