The Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the Golden Eaglets put up a solid performance at the forthcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.
Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, NFF’s 1st Vice President, said as much during a chat with the media on the margin of the team’s training session at the NFF/ FIFA Goal Project Pitch in Abuja on Monday.
Akinwunmi, who was in company with Dr. Mohammed Sanusi,General Secretary of the NFF, said the Golden Eaglets would be given maximum support in order to fly the country’s flag high in Chile, adding he was impressed with the on-going selection process of the team.
“The U-17 team would be given the maximum support and don’t forget that we are the defending champions of the world,” he said. “I have seen some quality players here and there is a level of competition amongst the players which means the process of picking the players is open.”
Speaking against the backdrop of performances of both the Flying Eagles and Super Falcons at recent World Cup competitions, Akinwunmi said the NFF is putting together far-reaching policies to enhance youth development.
In the same vein, Dr. Sanusi said the Golden Eaglets would embark on a training tour of the geo-political zones in the country immediately the open camping is concluded.
“What happened to both the Flying Eagles and Super Falcons at their different World Cup competitions was unfortunate and that means the Golden Eaglets have to prepare well because we are the defending champions,” he noted.
He added: “Once they are through with their open camping, we are going to organize some friendly matches across the geo-political zones as well as some top international friendly matches.”
Also on the entourage to watch the Golden Eaglets’ Monday evening training were Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, Deputy Secretary General and Mr. Ademola Olajire, Assistant Director, Communications.
The U-17 team is preparing for the World Cup to be held between October 17 and November 8 in the South American country.