President Muhammadu Buhari placed a telephone call to history-making Golden Eaglets who play the Under-17 World Cup final with fellow Africans on Sunday (today).
Buhari, who spoke with both players and their officials for about 25 minutes on Saturday evening urged them to strive for victory in the final of the Under-17 FIFA World Cup holding in Chile.
He first spoke with the head coach of the team, Emmanuel Amuneke, whom he congratulated for leading the team to the final.
“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 the coach, who him
Buhari next spoke with Udoh Akpan, the goalkeeper, saying that he was a very strategic member of the team.
”If you don’t let in the goals, then none will be scored against us. We look forward to lifting the cup,” he told the keeper who has let in only four goals and kept clean sheets in all but two matches so far during this tournament.
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 challenged 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.
