President Goodluck Jonathan, has showered cash award on the footballers and young athletes that participated in both the U17 African Championship and the U18 African youth Athletic Champions.

He made the announcement at a special reception held in honour of the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria and Under 18 African Youth Athletic Champions, at the Dome, Banquet Hall, State House, Tuesday night.

He announced N500,000 for the U17 team, N1 million for the Chief Coach, N750,000 for assistant coaches, N500,000 each for the team official and N300,000 to the team's curator.

For the Under 18 African Youth Athletic Champions, the President approved N500,000 for gold medallists, N400,000 for silver medallist, N300,000 bronze medallist, and N500,000 each for technical officials.

Jonathan expressed satisfaction with their gallants feat of which they have continued to sustain the nation's glory in sports.

The President said he was happy that against all odds in football and athletics, they worked hard and gallantly excelled and as a nation "we are very proud and hold you in high esteem".

He urged the coaches and officials not to relent and must continue to inspire the young men and women to do well.

The President said the brilliant performance of the U17 football team has put the nation on world's map and expressed hope that their performance in United Arab Emirate later in October will be exceptionally well.

To the U18 athletes, President Jonathan expressed happiness with their performance saying it was a greater honour to them to top the medal table in a tournament participated by 33 countries.

He said success require consistent training and real accomplishment comes with sacrifice and commitment, adding that if they continue on this path they will continue to succeed.

Minister of Sports and Chairman National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the event was to celebrate another milestone in the nation's history after February's Nation's cup win after 19 years.

He said the young athletes and the footballers did the nation pround on the African continent.

The President was accompanied by Vice President Namadi Sambo, ministers os Federal Capital Territory, Interior, Housing, Information, Aviation the Senate and House Committee chairmen on sports and other presidential aides and sports officials.

King Davidson Emenogu, World Boxing Organisation International Champion is presented to Mr. President.

Jonathan later had Presidential handshake with the Eaglets, Athletes and officials.

He later took photograph with Silver Medallist U17 Football Team, Basket Ball Team, Volley Ball Team, Athletes and officials.