Birthday cake for Odinaka
As Brazil and Nigeria jostle to become the first four-time titlist at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup level, the Golden Eaglets have been tipped to best the boys from the land of Jogo Bonito by United Arab Emirates’ National Newspaper.
In its preview of the second round of matc
hes, the Emirati’s influential tabloid noted that the Golden Eaglets are the only side capable of halting the Brazilians in their stride.
“If Brazil is deemed title favourites, then Nigeria seems the greatest threat to their aspirations,” noted the Newspaper, even as it acknowledged the free-scoring style of the Nigerian youngsters. “The West Africans started by thrashing Mexico 6-1 and continued to score
freely with eight goals in their next two matches.”
The Golden Eaglets have indeed captivated the fans throughout the UAE and their spirited play has endeared them to new converts including Rosalyn Pura Enguerra, Front Desk Receptionist at their Danat Al Ain Resort camp.
“I love your team (Nigeria) because they play exciting football, ” said the cheerful lady from the Philippines who watched a football match live for the first time at Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium last week. “I enjoyed myself when I was at the stadium to watch Nigeria drew 3-3 against Sweden and I think you would go far.”
In a related development, Sudanese Bashir Mohammed who works at the Al Ain FC stadium has prayed for the success of the Golden Eaglets after he got a Nigeria’s jersey as souvenir from an official of the team.
“You have the support of all of us from Sudan in Al Ain,” said the elderly man who also works with the LOC.” Insha Allah (by the grace of Allah) you will beat Iran on Tuesday and we would be praying for your team to win the tournament.”
Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets’ goalkeeper, Uzoho Francis Odinaka who marked his birthday Monday has begged his teammates to beat Iran as a befitting present for him.
The towering Odi as he’s fondly called got a surprise birthday cake from the Local Organising Committee of 2013 FIFA Under-17 and was explicit when asked what his birthday wishes were.
“Just want us to win this cup,” he said with a glee before cutting the tape alongside some members of the LOC as well as teammates, Isaac Success and Musa Muhammed, the captain.
Meanwhile, four-goal hero against Mexico, Kelechi Iheanacho has pledged on behalf of his teammates a victorious outing against Iran, adding the objective of the team supersedes that of any individual.
“By the grace of God, we are going to win our match and I don’t care even if I don’t score,” he said.
“The most important thing for us is to win all our matches. We would do everything to make it a special occasion for Odinaka,” added Iheanacho who was born on October 3.
Meanwhile, Musa Yahaya has equally promised to continue to give his best after he got his wish of a branded footwear as a gift from Personal Assistant to NFF’ President, Mallam Nasir Jibril. “Oga promised to give me canvass if I play so well in our last game and I’m so happy that he has given me this,” said the usual shy Yahaya who scored twice against Iraq to add to his earlier goal against Sweden.
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