Nigerian leader honors "sports heroes"

Nigerian leader Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday played host to athletes and officials who have consistently done the West African nation proud at various international competitions.

"On behalf of all Nigerians, I wish to specially express my appreciation and indeed that of the nation to our athletes and officials for the consistency, determination, willpower and penchant for success being witnessed in the sports sector in recent times. I urge the managers of this sector to keep up the momentum," the Nigerian leader said while welcoming the athletes to a short ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Giving out cash rewards to the athletes for their "heroics", Buhari said the reward given to them was not payment for their services to the country but a "token of appreciation".

The athletes cut across various sports, including wrestling, football and basketball.

He said the country's preparation for the forthcoming Olympics in Rio was of great concern to him, urging the athletes to garner more medals at the global event.

Among those honored Thursday were members of Nigeria's Under-17 football team who participated in and won the maiden edition of FIFA Under-17 World Championship in 1985, as well as the team which won the same competition for Nigeria last year.

Government will continue to work hard to support athletes in Nigeria, the Nigerian leader said. Endit