The Minister Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has described the Nigerian Golden Eaglets prosecuting the ongoing FIFA Under 17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates as phenomenal.
The minister made this comment after watching the team beat the Iranians 4-1.
Abdullahi said he was impressed with the ‘clinical finishing’ of the Eaglets, noting that the technical crew did a very good job of tutoring the boys.
He further noted that the team is probably the best Under 17 side Nigeria has produced in a long time and that their prospect of lifting the cup is very high.
The Minister had earlier spoken to the team on phone from his office in Abuja.
He assured the boys that all Nigerians were behind them, praying for the team to lift the trophy.
He conveyed the good wishes of President Goodluck Jonathan to the team.
“The President, His Excellency, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, fully supports you and is happy with the victories you have recorded so far,” Abdullahi told the boys.
He reminded them that the administration of President Jonathan has a policy of rewarding outstanding sportsmen and women and so they should focus on winning the championship for a chance of meeting with the President.
In his conversation with Coach Manu Garba, the Minister commended him and other members of the technical crew for proper management of the team, but urged him to ensure that the players do not get carried away by the recent achievements.
He said they should be focused on winning the trophy.
He further assured the team that he would personally be in the UAE to support them when they qualify for the semi-final.
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