The Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has tasked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to put in more efforts towards preparing the U20 – the Flying Eagles, to clinch the FIFA U20 World Cup trophy in Indonesia in a few weeks.
Mr. Dare gave the charge to the Management of the NFF and Head Coach, Ladan Bosso today at a reception held in honour of the Africa U20 Cup of Nations bronze medallists at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
He stated, “You have returned from Egypt with the bronze medals and the FIFA World Cup ticket, and a few other prizes, but the FIFA World Cup is in a few weeks and I want you to focus your mind on winning it for Nigeria for the first time. I understand Ghana is the only African country that has won the FIFA U20 World Cup. If Ghana can win it, why not Nigeria?
“I am happy about your performance in Egypt because you were able to come from a position of adversity – a depressing loss to The Gambia in the semi final – to fire on all cylinders to defeat Tunisia for the bronze medals. That is the spirit that the Government and people of Nigeria want you to take to the World Cup. We are on the same page with the NFF on adequate preparation of our National Teams for matches and competitions, and I believe they will provide you with good-enough preparation for the global finals in Indonesia.”
Earlier in a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar applauded the team for doing the nation proud.
He urged the players not to rest on their oars but to put in their best towards winning the trophy and ensuring that they graduate into the national team, the Sper Eagles.
Also speaking, the Head Coach of the U20 Flying Eagles, Mr. Ladan Bosso, commended the Management of the Ministry, especially President Muhammadu Buhari for their commitment towards the development of football in the country.
“We are always encouraged by your inspiring and motivating words, and the length you go, to simply support the team and our dreams, we will do our best to do the nation proud, he said.
Signed
Mohammed Manga
Director, Press and Public Relations
