President Muhmmadu Buhari had a chat
with the Golden Eaglets, Nigeria’s U-17 male national football team,
who are playing Mali in the final of the ongoing 2015 U-17 FIFA World
Cup in Chile.
President Buhari calls the Golden Eaglets on Saturday, November 7. Photo: SaharaReporters
The presidency says the talk lasted for 25 minutes.
In his goodwill message, the president addressed to all the 21
players and the head coach Emmanuel Amuneke, the team’s doctor,
physiotherapist, media officer, members of the technical team and other
officials.
“Your victory on Sunday would remind Nigerians of what happened
in China 30 years ago (in 1985, when Buhari was the military head of
state, Nigeria won its maiden U-17 FIFA title), and it would raise the
morale of Nigerians, especially the youths. We’re praying for you. We
are anxiously waiting to receive the cup. Please put us on the world map
of soccer again.”
In their return, Amuneke and Kelechi Nwakali, the captain of the
team, thanked the president for his support, promised not to let him and
Nigeria down.
Nigeria defeated Mexico 4 – 2 on their way to the final, while Mali were stronger than their Belgian counterparts, 3 – 1. Both of the African teams were under fire for being ‘age cheats’.
The Golden Eaglets have a chance of clinching the Under-17 trophy for the fifth time.
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