Buhari In Telephone Calls To Golden Eaglets, Urges Them To Strive For Victory

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News, Sports News Sunday, November 8th, 2015

BALTIMORE, MD (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – President Muhammadu Buhari Saturday in a 25 minutes telephone call, urged members of the Golden Eaglets and their officials to strive for victory tomorrow in the final with the Mali of the Under-17 FIFA World Cup holding in Chile.

Buhari who began the call with the Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, congratulated him for leading the team to the final, and affirmed “Your victory tomorrow will remind Nigerians of what happened in China 30 years ago, and it will raise the morale of Nigerians, especially the youths. We’re praying for you. We are anxiously waiting to receive the cup. Please put us on the world map of soccer again.”

Speaking to the Goalkeeper Udoh Akpan, Mr. President Buhari said he was a very strategic member of the team, noting:”If you don’t let in the goals, then none will be scored against us. We look forward to lifting the cup.”

Also while speaking with Lazarus, a defender, the President said, “don’t allow anybody to penetrate the defence,” while charging Tobechukwu Ibe, another defender to “rest well today, because a lot of Nigerians will be depending on you tomorrow.”

Top striker, Victor Osimhen, who has scored 9 goals so far, in the tournament, President Buhari said:”Strike like thunder tomorrow. I believe you will bring us victory.”

The captain of the team, Kelechi Nwakali, who was charged to maintain his winning leadership , while Joel Osikel, a midfielder, was told by the President Buharis’that he was “the jewel of the team,” and challenged to contribute his quota towards victory.

Apart from the 21 players and head coach, President Buhari also encouraged the technical team, the team doctor, physiotherapist, media officer, and other officials.

On their own, the players according to a statement issued by his SA on Media and Publicity, Femi Adeshina, Coach Amuneke and the team captain thanked President Buhari for his support, and promised not to let him and the country down.

It would be recalled Nigeria first won the Under-17 FIFA tournament in China in 1985, when President Buhari was the military Head of state. He urged the squad to repeat the same feat tomorrow opponent, to make it the fifth time Nigeria will win the trophy.