U-17WC: Maigari, Imoke Hails record-seeking Eaglets

Alhaji Aminu Maigari, President of the Nigeria Football Federation
(NFF), says he has nothing but gratitude to Nigerians from all walks
of life for their unquantifiable support for the record-seeking
national Under-17 team at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup UAE 2013.
nff
Speaking before the team’s departure from Sharjah to Dubai where they
grabbed a semi-final ticket following a 2-0 spanking of Uruguay on
Saturday, Maigari said it is now incumbent on the lads to reciprocate
the gesture by going all the way.

“Frankly, like every Nigerian, I’m very happy with the progress of our boys at this competition and I’m happier with the support they have gotten from everybody right from the Presidency,” he said.

In the stands on Saturday to watch the Golden Eaglets slay Uruguay
were Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu; Nigeria’s Ambassador to
the UAE, His Excellency Ibrahim Auwalu, and President of President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Chief Solomon Ogba amongst other top dignitaries.

“We really appreciate the good gesture of everyone including that of
Mr. President and several stakeholders including His Excellency,
Senator Liyel Imoke, the Governor of Cross River State,” explained
Maigari. “We are also expecting other very important personalities
including the Honourable Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and
this would go a long way in boosting the morale of this team.”

Meanwhile, Senator Imoke has felicitated with the Golden E aglets for reaching the semi-final s of the World Cup even as he pleaded with them to go all the way.

“You can’t afford to fail now because you have come so far,” the
Governor was quoted as saying in a message delivered to the team
through Hon. Patrick Ugbe, the state’s commissioner for sport.
“Nigerians particularly we in Cross River State are praying for your
eventual success and I’m eagerly looking forward to receiving you with the trophy.”

The Golden Eaglets have since arrived Dubai as they prepare for
Tuesday’s semi-final match against Sweden at the Rashid Stadium.

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