*As goalkeeper Udoh donates jerseys to colleagues

Emmanuel Amuneke, Golden Eaglets’ Head Coach, has for the umpteenth time enjoined his wards to redouble their efforts as preparation towards 2015 FIFA World Cup gets underway.

Amuneke, who joined the team at the weekend from his base in Spain, said the challenge ahead of the team is enormous, insisting the players must either shape in or shape out. He advised older players to show sense of responsibility so that the newly invited ones can follow suit.

The Golden Eaglets secured a ticket for the 2015 World Cup after placing fourth at the CAN U-17 Championship in Niger in February and Amuneke has categorically told the players there won’t be margin for errors in Chile.

“What happened in Niger is now in the past but we can do much better in Chile if we are ready to work harder and be responsible in our conduct,” began the former African Footballer of the Year.”We have the opportunity to show what we can do and I want to advise the older
players to lead the way for others to follow.”

The team currently trains twice daily at the NFF/FIFA Goal Project pitch in Abuja and Amuneke informed players would only be guaranteed a place only on merit.

Meanwhile, Akpan Udoh, Golden Eaglets’ first choice at the last CAN U-17 Championship in Niger, has donated two pairs of his jerseys to his colleagues. Goalkeeper Abdullahi and Chisom Chiaha missed out of the Niger 2015 squad but were rewarded by Akpan upon resumption in the camp at the weekend. He said his gesture was to buoy up team spirit and encourage his goalkeeping colleagues.

Team coordinator, Prince Udofia has in the meantime lauded the lad’s exemplary conduct, saying Akpan who recently wrote his Senior School Certificate (WAEC) examinations , deserves a pat on the back. “Personally, I’m impressed with what Akpan has done and this has shown that he is a boy with a good heart,” said Udofia.

Author: NFF Admin