By: Gracious Akujobi
The Golden Eaglets training session has taken off smoothly, just as post Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the 30 players invited to jostle for shirts in the World Cup-bound National Under-17 team is being awaited.
Cross Rivers state Governor Liyel Imoke, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Patrick Ugbe, was on hand to welcome the team to the Canaan City yet again.
At training session on Monday at the practice pitch of the U.J Esuene Stadium, the Commissioner reiterated his earlier submission that the Golden Eaglets can go all the way at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup finals taking place in the United Arab Emirates in October.
Ugbe. said “Of course, we have strong faith in you and we want you to concentrate on the job at hand by preparing well for the World Cup which His Excellency believes you can win.”
Responding, Head coach Manu Garba said Governor Imoke has demonstrated in many ways his abiding love for the Golden Eaglets, promising that his wards would do the country proud at the World Cup.
“We are very grateful for the continued support of His Excellency as well as the people of Cross River State. Of course, to whom much is given, much is expected and we would do everything in our capacity to do very well at the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Manu has maintained that the present double sessions at the practice of the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar have given the coaching crew the opportunity to ascertain the fitness level of the players.
He noted that the result of the MRI Scan would not affect the team since there is a pool of players that can be drawn from in case of any eventuality.
“We are still awaiting the official result of the MRI Scan but we have high hope that all will be well. The players are responding fast to training and Gods’ willing; we shall have a good team for the World Cup,” Manu said.
