President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday officially unveiled the trophy of the President's Cup.
The competition according to the Minister of Sports, Tamuno Danagogo, is a teenage football tournament designed to discover young talents and raise them.
Before unveiling the trophy, President Jonathan was decorated as the Grand Patron of the tournament.
The incumbent President paid glowing tributes to ex-internationals who were present to decorate him, saying they brought glory and pride to the country.
He expressed delight at the decision to come up with a pattern that will be used to build younger ones so that they can follow the footsteps of the stars.
Jonathan added that soccer had remained the greatest unifying factor among Nigerians.
In his words; "On behalf of the government of the country, we thank you for your sincere commitment to continue to drive soccer to project football in our country, so that we will continue to be on top.
"One thing that all Nigerians know that brought unity to this country is the game of soccer.
"Whenever you people are playing, those of us who watch do not know the difference between a Muslim or a Christian; we don't know the difference between a Northerner and a Southerner or an Easterner or a Westerner.
"We always see ourselves as Nigerians and that is the story. You have done very well for this country, we believe the younger ones will emulate you and also do what you have done.
"For today, I thank you for this, as I formally unveil the President's Cup and of course the customized football for the purpose."
Dagogo described the President's Cup as a private sector contribution to football development.
Ex-internationals that were on hand to decorate the President included Kanu Nwakwo, Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Emmanuel Babayaro, Garba Lawal and Augustine Eguavoen among others.
