Ahead of Sunday night finals with Mali, President Muhammadu Buhari spoke with the Golden Eaglets and their officials for about 23 minutes Saturday motivating to go for victory in the final of the Under-17 FIFA World Cup holding in Chile.
If the Eaglets win, Buhari would be making history as the only Head of State to have received the trophy both as military leader and civilian president. Nigeria first won the same tournament in China in 1985, when President Buhari was military head of state.
Using Skype from his Aso Rock residence Buhari congratulated Coach Emmanuel Amuneke for leading the team to the final He said: ”Your victory tomorrow will remind Nigerians of what happened in China 30 years ago, and it will raise the morale of Nigerians, especially the youths. We’re praying for you. We are anxiously waiting to receive the cup. Please put us on the world map of soccer again.”
He reminded Udoh Akpan, the goalkeeper, that he was a very strategic member of the team, noting: ”If you don’t let in the goals, then none will be scored against us. We look forward to lifting the cup.”
To John Lazarus, a defender, the President said, “don’t allow anybody to penetrate the defense,” while charging Tobechukwu Ibe, another defender to “rest well today, because a lot of Nigerians will be depending on you tomorrow.”
To top striker, Victor Osimhen, who has scored 9 goals so far, President Buhari said: ”Strike like thunder tomorrow. I believe you will bring us victory.”
The captain of the team, Kelechi Nwakali, was charged to maintain his winning leadership , while Joel Osikel, a midfielder, was told by the President that he was “the jewel of the team,” and urged him to contribute his quota towards victory.
Apart from the 21 players and head coach, President Buhari also had encouraging words for other members of the technical team, the team doctor, physiotherapist, media officer, and other officials.
Both Coach Amuneke and the team captain thanked President Buhari for his support, and promised not to let him and the country down.
