The all-conquering Eaglets at training
Coach Manu Garba (MFR) has dedicated Nigeria’s fourth record FIFA Under-17 World Cup victory to both President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Hajiya Babita Garba after Golden Eaglets 3-0 thrashing of Mexico on Friday in Abu Dhabi.
Away from the battery of cameras and in the hallowed corridors of Al Jazira’s dressing room in Abu Dhabi, Manu said both President Jonathan and his jewel of inestimable value more than anybody deserved praises for the feat he achieved with his team. He recalled it was only President Jonathan that hosted the team upon their team’s return from the CAN Under-17 Championship where they came second.
“This trophy is for President Goodluck Jonathan who had a strong belief in us despite the fact that we came second at the African championship,” Manu said. “We were really fired up when he hosted us after the African Championship and we are looking forward to meeting Mr. President again with the World Cup Trophy.” Manu described President Jonathan as a very lucky man after the Golden Eaglets followed the footsteps of the Super Eagles for winning a major trophy in 2013. The senior national team started the year with glorious outing at the AFCON in South Africa and the Golden Eaglets World Cup win is more than an icing on the cake as 2013 drags to an end.
He revealed that the first person he called immediately y after the final whistle of the match that saw his young guns dethroned Mexico as the World Under-17 Champions and entered the pantheon of world football as the first to win a record fourth world title.“ In fact, for the past four months I was not able to see my wife because of the nature of this job and I’m so happy that all the efforts we put into this work was not in vain,” he said. “I want to use this opportunity to thank my wife so much for taking care of the home front.”
Manu also heaped praises on both Senator Liyel Imoke, Governor of Cross River State and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Ibrahim Auwalu who rode on the team’s bus in company of NFF’s President Alhaji Aminu Maigari for a dinner reception hosted by Nigeria’s Embassy in the UAE.
Nigeria’s Ambassador Fetes Eaglets in Boat Ride
Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Ibrahim Auwalu on Friday night gave the Golden Eaglets a surprise dinner reception inside the Al Dhafra Restaurant in Al Mina as players and officials cruise on the boat round the beautiful Abu Dhabi City.
Also in attendance were Honourable Minister for Sports and Chairman national Sports Commission, Alhaji Bolaji Abdullahi, NFF”s President Alhaji Aminu Maigari, Alhaji Ahmad Muazu Kawu, Chairman of the Nigeria Nationwide League, Chief Emeka Inyama, Chairman of National League, Chief Nduka Irabor, Chairman League Management Company, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Salisu Abubakar as well as Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, the chairman of Lagos FA.
Friday’s night was not for speeches as everyone enjoyed the sumptuous meal provided by dutiful staff of Al Dharfa which was complimented with local Nigerian dishes served by Africana Home Restaurant that had been a regular feature on Golden Eaglets match days throughout the championship.
“This Ambassador was just too much’ “said Golden Eaglets coordinator, Suleiman Abubakar.
“Golden Eaglets’ success story at this World Cup will not be completed without mentioning the good deed done by the Nigeria’s Embassy in the UAE to the Golden Eaglets.
“Right from when we arrived here on our training tour before the World Cup, they had been with us and what as way to round off here than cruising inside a boat for this dinner reception,” he said.
Meanwhile, the victorious Golden Eaglets are expected to depart for Nigeria Saturday aboard Emirates Airlines en route to Abuja via Lagos.
admin
