President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday spoke with players and officials of the Golden Eaglets, urging them to strive for victory in Sunday’s final of the Under-17 FIFA World Cup holding in Chile.
Nigeria first won the same tournament in China in 1985 when Buhari was military head of state.
He urged the team to repeat the same feat on Sunday against Mali, to make it the fifth time Nigeria will win the trophy.
Starting with the Head Coach, Emmanuel Amunike, President Buhari congratulated him for leading the team to the final, and then 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.”
Speaking to Udoh Akpan, the goalkeeper, President Buhari said 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 defence.”
He charged 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 nine 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 Amunike and the team captain thanked President Buhari for his support.
They promised not to let him and the country down.
