NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari on Sunday in Johannesburg dedicated the African Youth Championship won by the National U-20 team to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking minutes after the Awards Ceremony at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto, following the Flying Eagles’ 3-2 triumph over Cameroon in the final match of the 17th African Youth Championship, Maigari said the support of President Jonathan and his administration to the cause of Nigerian football at all times has been key to the achievements of the present NFF team.

“I am happy to dedicate this trophy to President Goodluck Jonathan, who recently won re-election. We really can never thank the President and his Government enough, for all the support and encouragement they have always given to the NFF.

“This was a hard-won tournament. But we had the support of the Government at all times and it kept us going. I have to sincerely appreciate the players the technical crew for the wonderful job they have done. Nigerians are proud of them.

“Gradually but steadily, we are focusing firmly on our roadmap. There have been contrived controversies and crises that have made things difficult for this administration since inception, but I believe that we are beginning to prove our critics wrong and by the Grace of God, we will take Nigerian football to higher heights”, said Maigari.

Olanrewaju Kayode opened the account for Nigeria with a quarter of an hour to go in regulation time, blasting into the roof of the net after escaping his marker, and then was brought down 10 minutes to the end for Uche Nwofor to step up and convert a penalty that earned him the tournament’s Top Scorer award.

But the Cub Lions roared back strongly, scoring through Franck Ohandza as the Nigeria defence was caught napping in the 82nd minute. With five minutes left on the clock, the delectable Edgar Salli capitalized on defensive error to slice past brilliant Danjuma Paul in goal for Nigeria. Salli was picked as Player of the Tournament.

However, with only one minute on the clock in extra time, substitute Terry Envoh waltzed his way through the Cameroonian defence and slotted the ball past goalkeeper and skipper Jean Efala. There were no more goals and the trophy was handed to Skipper Ramon Azeez by CAF Executive Committee Member, Almamy Kabele Camara.