Super Eagles to be honoured

The nominations were confirmed by the governor of Ogun State, Segun Osoba, after briefing the State House correspondents on the decisions of the council, at a meeting held at the Presidential villa, Abuja.

The three Super Eagles, Arsenal`s Kanu, Chelsea defender Celestine Babayaro and Augustine `Jay-Jay` Okocha of Bolton, are among the 204 distinguished Nigerians selected as beneficiaries for the award.

Osoba said on the council's decision: "Nwankwo Kanu is not only being honoured as somebody who has contributed immensely towards football, but for the courage he displayed."

He added: "Here is a man who had a heart disability, he overcame the disability.

"He didn't stop there, he still set up a foundation to help children who have the same problem.

"He has successfully sent Nigerian children to Israel for treatment.

"The government felt that this is a worthy example of an international figure."

The selection of three high profile sporting stars is a vast contrast from nominations for the 2000 awards where not one sportsman was honoured.

Fans and analysts heavily criticised the government for not encouraging or acknowledging people in sporting fields.

The nominations for the players, who all ply their trade in The Premiership, the government hopes, will quash such rumours.