Bursaspor of Turkey defender, Shehu Abdullahi has officially presented a replica of the Super Eagles’ Russia 2018 World Cup flashy jersey to Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
Abdullahi, who started the Eagles’ first match of this year’s World Cup against Croatia, made the presentation during a formal visit to the governor of his state of origin, to say thank you and get blessings for some projects he is planning.
The former Kano Pillars star, who played as a defensive midfielder in the bronze-winning home-based Eagles squad at CHAN 2014, already sponsors a community development foundation in the state and is now planning to fund a stadium in the area as well.
During the event, Tambuwal rewarded the ex-Anorthosis Famagusta of Cyprus defender with a four-bedroom house and a plot of land to build the sports complex in his state.
Abdullahi, who was a regular in helping Nigeria qualify for the World Cup, upon settling in well into the team’s right-back position, was also given a seat by Tambuwal for pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia as a devout Muslim.
Abdullahi further disclosed that, in another effort to raise funds for the foundation, a charity match will take place on Thursday between Team Shehu and a selected squad to be led by Ahmed Musa.
He said: “I want to appreciate my Governor for this great honour, it feels so good my hard work and being a good ambassador of this state is been celebrated and recognized.
“I am grateful to our darling Governor for this kindness and great gesture. This is not an honour for me to slip off, but to work very hard with my club and the national team.
“What interests me most is the support for my Foundation and the land to build my sports complex, we have many talents in Sokoto and we must create the enabling environment to nurture them with modern facilities.
“We have concluded plans to host a Charity Match in Sokoto State; the match will be between Shehu Friends and Musa Friends.
“Apart from the charity angle to it, we want to motivate the youths and give them hope, I am optimistic Sokoto will produce more football stars in years to come.”
