FG names Ighalo National Principals Cup ambassador

FORMER Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has been appointed as an ambassador of the National Principals Cup by the federal government.

The Principals Cup is a multi-sport competition for secondary pupils across Nigeria.

Ex-international goalkeeper and striker, Joseph Dosu and Daniel Amokachi, who both won Atlanta Olympics men’s football gold in 1996, are already ambassadors for the developmental competition.

Sports minister Sunday Dare announced Ighalo’s appointment on Tuesday when the former Manchester United star visited the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, which is currently being renovated.

“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,” Dare said.

“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 U-20s, under-23s 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.”

Dare commended his ministry for restoring and expanding the iconic competition, promising even more improvement.
“It is of note that the Principals Cup which had been abandoned for 25 years was revived recently,” the minister explained.

“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 Principals Cup but a National Principals 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 grassroots sports development. To give it life, we came up with Flagship Ambassadors of the Principals 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 said he felt honoured to be given the ambassadorial appointment.

“It’s a great privilege to see you sir, and I have been following up on what you’ve been doing, granting me a chance to see you means a lot to me,” Ighalo said.

“For the first time, we’ve seen sports moving forward as a business in Nigeria with your push and initiatives. Thank you so much for what you ate doing for sports development.”

Ighalo, 32, currently plays for Al Shabab in the Saudi Arabian Pro League and has 35 Super Eagles caps with 16 goals. He retired from the national team in 2019 after helping Nigeria finish third at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.