BY ONOCHIE ANIBEZE

•Honours Eagles  •Okpala enlivens everywhere

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State while receiving the Super Eagles and their coach Stephen Keshi yesterday added another dimension to the celebration of 2013 Nations Cup  heroes.

He did not only appreciate Keshi with a plot of land but also said that the state would assist him develop the property so that Keshi would find a home in his home state. The plan is for Keshi to start identifying with his home state in the area of sports development.

Delta held a reception for the Eagles and this was part of the implementation of the sports summit the state held in October last year. During the summit mentoring was hilighted as one of the motivating factors for athletes. It was against this background that Governor Uduaghan asked Keshi and all the sports heroes from the state to mentor budding talents.

Delta invited ex internationals like Godwin Etemike, George Ogawon, Ebuwon Didiere, Owolo and Jossy Dombraye to the event at the Government House after the players rode through Asaba roads and were appreciated by the people. Five of the players in South Africa had roots in Warri Wolves.

“Mentoring is important. Our heroes should begin to put something back into their communities,” Uduaghan turning to Keshi he said, “we know that you are with the national team but once in a while you could put an eye in Delta especially now that we have a soccer programme that could offer avenue for you to help.”

He meant Governor’s Cup that also will boast of holiday programme for school boys.

Uduaghan commended the Eagles for winning in South Africa and told the team that Nigeria was proud of them.

Amaju Pinnick of the Delta Sports Commission said the presence of the Eagles would inspire some youths who are bound to emulate the champions.

He said Keshi drew inspiration from the likes of Dombraye and the players of today were emulating what Keshi and his generation did. He said it was important the cycle continued.

Sylvanus Okpala enlivened the hall when he started a song before Uduaghan started his speech. It was a football song that the governor joined the chorus and demonstrated soccer moves as directed by Okpala. Everybody joined too.

Uduaghan said that he would always support the good dreams and targets of Keshi who is from Illah in Delta