The president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Aminu Maigari, has said that the Golden Eaglets need more encouragement and support of Nigerians to fulfil the aspiration of winning a fourth FIFA Under-17 World Cup for Nigeria.
Maigari described the team’s pulsating 3-3 draw against Sweden on Tuesday as very interesting and the demonstration of the players’ ability to rise above challenges.
Nigerians were reeling in shock after the Golden Eaglets conceded two goals barely 20 minutes into the match against the Swedes but they fought back gamely to restore parity with goals by Isaac Success and Musa Yahaya. Then against the run of play, the Swedes took the lead until substitute Taiwo Awoniyi salvaged a point for the three-time world champions.
“Without any doubt, the players did their best because the intensity of the game was very high,” explained Maigari. “Of course, there are few lapses here and there; but above all Nigerians are happy that they fought back to end the match 3-3.
“The Golden Eaglets are still on top of their Group F going into their last game against Iraq on Friday and I have assurances from the coaches that they would plug all the loopholes; what they really need is our collective arrangement and support,” he noted.
In the meantime, Alhaji Maigari has again praised President Goodluck Jonathan for his unalloyed support for Nigerian football in a meeting with the Golden Eaglets in Al ain on Tuesday, adding that, the NFF would remain steadfast in its efforts to ensure stable development.
He said: “I want to assure you that Nigerians generally are happy with you but you must continue to do your best.
“The NFF is indeed grateful that Mr. President, Sport Minister, Mallam Bolaji and so many people in government have shown huge interest in you and I want you to go out and justify their confidence in you.”
