By: Gracious Akujobi Golden Eaglets would depart on Tuesday from their pre-World Cup training camp in Dubai for the City of Al-Ain on Tuesday as the 2013 UAE FIFA Under-17 World Cup gets underway.
Arrangements have already been concluded by the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) for the team’s seamless transition to the venue of their first two matches in Al-Ain by luxury bus from Dubai with the departure fixed for 9 am local time(6am Nigerian time).
The Golden Eaglets would play Mexico and Sweden respectively on October 19 and 22 at Al-Ain before their last game against Iraq in Dubai on October 25.
While at Al-Ain, officials said the team would stay at the FIFA designated Five Star Danat Al-Ain Resort in the city under the Abu Dhabi emirate with confirmation by the Team Liason Officer (TL0), Mr. Seth Amoafo confirming that facilities at the hotel are in spick and
span.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Embassy in Abu Dhabi have arranged for a rousing welcome for the Golden Eaglets when they arrive Al-Ain which is known as the Green City
“We are leaving no stone unturned in order to make you (Golden Eaglets) comfortable throughout your stay,” said Mr. Edward Tamta Kogbara,Minister of Protocol and Economic Matters at the Nigerian Embassy. “We shall be on ground to welcome you with the supporters,” team’s Media Officer, Morakinyo Abodunrin quoted him as saying.
Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets are praying for Super Eagles’ victorious outing against Ethiopia’s Walia Antelopes in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final Round first leg qualifying match to be played in Addis Ababa on Sunday.
The Nigerian youngsters preparing ahead of the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Dubai, regard Super Eagles as Big Brothers with some already adopted by their illustrious senior national team players.
“Although we are here in Dubai, our thoughts and prayers are with the Super Eagles always especially when they play away to Ethiopia on Sunday,” said Golden Eaglets’ captain, Musa Muhammed.
It is important that we pray for the success of the Super Eagles because of the importance of this match.”
Japheth Raymond, who captained Kwara Football Academy to win the 2012 Shell Cup equally said: “Of course, we know the Super Eagles are the African Champions but they need our prayers because the match against Ethiopia is important to them and we’re praying they should qualify for the 2014 World Cup.”
