Nigeria’s notable artistes, Panshak Zamani (Ice Prince), Delta born Sidney Onoriode Esiri (Dr SID) and stand-up comedians, including Ali Baba, I Go Die and others were among the retinue of entertainers that thrilled the victorious Super Eagles who were treated to a state banquet organised by the Delta state government at the Event Centre, Asaba on Thursday, February 14, 2013.
Earlier, when the victorious Super Eagles paid the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan a courtesy at the new Government House in Asaba, the governor charged sport heroes to give back to the society through mentoring programme to develop sporting talents among youths.

He enjoined the sporting heroes to key into the programme to

enable the state achieve its dream and maintain its top position in sports in the country.

‘’The state government is working out a programme to ensure that our sporting heroes help mentor our younger ones to become great sportsmen. since it is the younger ones that will take over from the present crop of players.

‘’Sports is one of the key points in the actualisation of the Delta beyond oil policy and the state will continue to support sports to enable the youths utilize their skills’’.

While congratulating the team for winning the championship, Dr Uduaghan commended the coach for his resilience and patience in giving his best even when people doubted the ability of the team to deliver.

The governor promised the state government’s continuous support for the team and prayed that the team would continue to excel in all their future competitions.

Dr Uduaghan also reiterated the state government’s peace and security agenda and assured all deltans and indeed Nigerians that the era of kidnapping was over in the state.

‘’We are waging war against kidnappers. In fact we are re-channeling the youth’s energy towards positive endeavours and kidnapping is not one of them’’.

He advised youths in the state to key into the various youth empowerment and development schemes so as to harness their talents positively.

Dr Uduaghan announced that the state government has allocated a plot of land to the team coach Stephen Keshi and promised to put up a befitting structure for him.

“We are not just giving the land, we will also ensure that we put the structure in place; this will enable you to visit home frequently.

The governor thanked the President Dr Goodluck Jonathan for giving the state the opportunity to host the victorious Super Eagles.

Speaking earlier, the Chief Coach Stephen Keshi expressed his gratitude to Nigerians for their support throughout the AFCON competition.

While stating that his goal at the championship was to bring smiles to the faces of Nigerians he promised that his team would continue to improve and ensure that Nigeria takes its pride of place in the African football map.

“I am truly happy to be here; I am glad to be in my own state and whatever we did in South Africa was for all Nigerians.

“When I took over this job, my aim was to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.”

In his brief remark, the Chairman Delta State Sports Commission, Mr Amaju Pinnick informed the gathering that Nigeria now ranked 30th in the recently released FIFA ranking.

He said that the victorious Super Eagles would serve as role models for the younger ones and they represent the mentoring spirit advocated by Governor Uduaghan at the sports summit held in Asaba.

Present at the occasion were members of the state executive council and former members of the Green Eagles including Mr Owolo, Mr Jossy Dumbrayie, Mr Etimike Godwin, Mr John Oganwu and Mr Dediarie.