The President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr. Amaju Pinnick, has told the Golden Eaglets to be fearless in their quest to conquer the continent at the 11th African Under-17 Championship which kick-off on Sunday in Niamey.
The Nigeria’s Under-17 team last won the trophy in 2007 and nearly went all the way in Morocco the last time in 2013 only to lose to Junior Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire via 5-4 penalty shoot-out after 1-1
draw.
In a goodwill message delivered to the team yesterday by Chairman of Chairmen, Musa Ibrahim Gusau, on behalf of the board and management of the NFF, Mr. Pinnick was quoted as saying that the
present team is on the threshold of history if they can conquer the continent again.
” You have a big task ahead of you because you are the team to beat in Niger because as the defending champions of the Under-17 World Cup, no team would take it easy with you ” Gusau told players and officials of the team after watching their training at the Giginya Memorial Stadium.” The President asked me to come and let you know that we are solidly behind you; and we are confident that you would do well at the championship in Niger.”
He informed that Mr. Pinnick was unavoidably absent to see the team in Sokoto due to other engagements but has promised to be in Niamey in the later stages of the competition.
“We believe in you and though the president cannot come here to watch your trainings, he is confident that you would go far in Niger and by the grace of God, he would be with you later to give his support,” he explained.
Gusau further advised the players on total commitment to the task and also encouraged them to listen to the instructions of their coaches following their selection after a long and difficult process.
In his response, Coach Emmanuel Amuneke thanked the NFF under the leadership of Mr. Pinnick, saying his wards are rearing to go all the way at Niger 2015 : ” We are not going to make many promises but on behalf of this team , Insha Allah (by the grace of God), we shall bring smiles to the faces of Nigerians.”
