A reception worthy of heroes was accorded players and officials of the U-17 National Team, Golden Eaglets, as they returned to the country yesterday following a successful campaign at the Federation Internationale de Football Association U-17 World Cup in Chile.
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It was further learnt that the two other players may be skipper Kelechi Nwakali, who was named the MVP of the U-17 World Cup, and one of the team’s fullbacks.
“Also, we use this medium to remind Mr President about the Nigerian Students’ Unity Games (NISUGA) coming up in the first quarter of 2016 and solicit his solidarity, as it provides the opportunity for discovering and catching fresh, young talents from our campuses”.
The Eaglets and officials were met by a cultural troupe just outside arrival hall of the Airport.
NAN reports that the Eaglets had won the title in Chile on Sunday after defeating Mail 2-0 in the final match, for Nigeria’s fifth title win.
Players and officials were driven round the Federal Capital Territory in a motorcade before the convoy arrived at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.
The team left the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport to the federal secretariat amidst pomp and pagentry, the entourage arrived the Transcorp Hilton to freshen up before a dinner and gala night which has been pre-arranged for them by the sports commission.
“I’m happy that I have represented my country, state and family well and we can see that this has made a lot of people happy too”.
“Your triumph was undoubtedly by a team effort and besides the players who performed so well, I would also like to give special mention to your Coach Emmanuel Amuneke, to the entire technical, administrative and medical team, and to all your fans”.
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“I want to thank God because he helped us to achieve success by winning the World Cup after we had come third or fourth in other competitions before”, stated Benjamin who was given the Best Goalkeeper Award when Golden Eaglets came third at the 2014 WAFU U-17 Tournament in Togo.
