Governor Liyel Imoke of CrossRiver State has received the 2012 Nigeria Pitch Star Award for his outstanding performance in supporting and promoting the game of football in the country.
The maiden edition of the award tagged “Night of Stars”, organized by Match Makers Consult International Limited in partnership with Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and Super Sports took place at the Transcorp Hotels, Calabar, Saturday.
According to the organizers, the award was conferred on Imoke because in 2012, he supported the Super Eagles and the nation’s U-17 football teams which culminated in the former winning the prestigious 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in South Africa.
President of Nigerian Football
Federation (NFF), Alhaji Aminu Migari represented by the First Vice President, Mr. Emeka Iyama, commended Imoke for providing the teams with logistics and finance which enabled them excelled in their respective tournaments.
Migari said Imoke has been consistent in his support and development of football which has seen Nigerian Football teams bringing back lost glory.
The President explained that when
the federation needed funds, the state came to their rescue and the Super Eagles went ahead to win the 2013 edition of AFCON in South Africa for Nigeria and commended him for his kind gesture.
He averred that since the Super Eagles have not lost a match in Calabar, the city has become their home ground and as champion of Africa, they will qualify for 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The President therefore solicited the support of everyone to see them through.
Responding, Governor Liyel Imoke, said the state’s contribution to Super Eagles is its quota to the redevelopment of football in the country and it will stop at nothing to ensure that other categories flying the nation’s colour are continental and world champions.
Imoke, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr.
Mike Aniah, thanked NFF and football community for the award which is an appreciation of commitment to the national teams.
Other awardees that received trophies for supporting the growth of football in the country include, Globa com, NFF Chairman, Alhaji Migari and Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State.