Ighalo named national Principal Cup ambassador

Former Super Eagles and Manchester United striker Jude Odion Ighalo has been  named as an  Ambassador  of the National  Principal’s Cup.

This was disclosed  by the Minister  of Youth and sports Development Mr Sunday  Dare  when  the player paid him  courtesy visit at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium , Abuja on Tuesday.

According to the Minister, the courtesy visit at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja is deliberate and symbolic to showcase the on going rehabilitation  of the stadium.

“It gladens our heart in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development where we have the mandate for sports development  when we see our great players excel in all  parts of the world, this gives us a sence of national pride. You have stood  tall with very good players around the world, I hope that other great internationals, not just football stars will follow your footsteps by  identifying with us  on how to move forward. Your profile and exploits in the field of play speaks a lot and I think the climax in your career is the bold step you took to join Manchester United . I’m more excited that you played for the Under 20, under 23 and the super Eagles in a very remarkable way. You have served this country faithfully and you will continue to be a good Ambassador of this country.

It is of note that the Principal’s Cup which had been abandoned for 25 years was revived  recently. The 2021 edition was just concluded in April with about 250 schools participating.  This year’s edition is a test run to bring It back gradually. Right now we not  only have a Principal’s cup but a National Principal’s cup.As we roll into the second edition we will be looking at 2500 secondary schools participating.

Note that Principal’s Cup used to be the engine room that  supplied most of our  best players and it speaks to the heart of Grass root Sports Development. To give it life, we  came up with Flagship Ambassadors of the Principal’s Cup with Daniel  Amokachi, Joseph  Dosu, Mary Onyali, Tajudeen  Disu picked as Ambassadors.You have  also  been appointed  As National Principal’s Cup Ambassador to motivate our young students”.

 Ighalo established a football academy  in Lagos where he also  runs an orphanage.

In his response  Ighalo said “its a great privilege to see you sir, and I have been following up what you’ve been doing, granting me a chance to see you means alot to me. For the first time we’ve seen sports moving forward as business in Nigeria with your push and initiatives. Thank you so much for what you ate doing  for sports Development”

He assure that he would be available  to play in  the ex stars game when the rehabilitation  of the stadium is completed.