The Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, has told the national Under-17 men’s soccer team, the Golden Eaglets to go and conquer the rest of the world at the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup coming up in the UAE between October 17 and November 8.
The Governor noted that the Eaglets have nothing to be afraid of against other contenders.
The state Commissioner for Sports, Patrick Ugbe, who spoke on behalf of the governor stated that: “I bring special greetings to you from His Excellency, Governor Imoke and we are all happy that you have had a pleasant stay with us here ,” Ugbe said after watching the team’s final training session in Calabar ahead of their departure to their pre-World Cup camp in Dubai.
“The message from His Excellency is that you should go and bring the trophy as he would be happy to receive you afterwards.”
Ugbe further reminded the players about previous exploits of Nigeria at the Under-17 World Cup having emerged champions thrice in 1985, 1993 and 2007 as well as being silver medallist in 1987, 2001 and 2009.
“The first edition of this tournament was won by Nigeria and you are lucky to have in the technical crew, Nduka Ugbade who was the captain of that historic team in 1985, so gone and conquer the world in Dubai,” he noted. “ You don’t have to be scared of any team rather they should be scared of Nigeria given our strong pedigree at this level and as you go to the World Cup as a world leader in this category. “
He further admonished the players to follow the instructions of their coaches even as he prayed that God bless all the efforts of the team with resounding success.
He added: “Always remember all that you have been taught by the coaches and don’t forget that matches are not won or lost until the end of the final whistle by referee.
“We wish you Good luck and do know that we would be supporting you all the way as some of us would be at the World Cup by the grace of god to support you.”
