General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Mohammed Sanusi on Wednesday visited the Golden Eaglets at their Katsina Motel camp in Katsina, with a message of goodwill and support from
the NFF Executive Committee, as the team continues preparations for this year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup finals in Chile.

Also on hand to encourage the team were NFF Board Members, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau and Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf Fresh. Speaking to players and officials just before dinner, Sanusi harped on the team’s discipline while commending the technical and back-room staff for their commitment to the job.

“I bring greetings to you on behalf of the NFF board led by the President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick and we have no doubt you would enjoy the best of hospitality here in Katsina,” began Sanusi. “But I want to remind you that without discipline, you cannot go far in your career and give your best.”

Speaking further, he said the NFF has implicit confidence in the ability of the technical crew in picking   the best squad to represent the country in Chile, explaining to the players to give their level best.

“I want you to know that no coach would overlook a good player and no coach wants to lose, so it is now left for you to do your best,” he said.”The officials you have with you are responsible and diligent persons because while in Niger Republic for the Africa Championship, I saw the kind of good job they did with the team and I believe they will be fair to all of you.”

Coach Emmanuel Amuneke, who gave vote of thanks, said the Golden Eaglets would give a good account of themselves in Chile, adding that team selection had always been done without fear or favour.

Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets continued their countdown to the FIFA U-17 World Cup with a double-header friendly match against a selected Katsina State U-17 side on Wednesday and Thursday at the Karkanda Stadium.

In the first game, Victor Osimhen and Funshado Bamigboye secured the goals for the Golden Eaglets but chances were few on Thursday as both sides settled for a 1-1 draw after Chinedu Madueke’s opener for the Golden Eaglets in the 60th minute was cancelled out by Muntari Abdullahi in the 82nd minute.

Veteran Coach Aminu Musa, who was in charge of the Katsina side, was full of praises for both teams, advising the Golden Eaglets’ technical crew to improve on the team’s scoring ability.

“The two teams have done well in these two matches and I’m quite impressed with the Golden Eaglets because they were very fit,” said Musa who has some 25 years experience under his belt. “The Golden Eaglets look well trained but they need to work more on their scoring abilities because they created some chances against us and failed to score them.”

Author: NFF Admin