Nigeria - Golden Eaglets Prepare For Immortality

The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, Wednesday evening met the Golden Eaglets at the Practice Pitch of the U.J Esuene Sports Stadium with a clarion call on the players and officials to ensure that country's flag is hoisted at the 2013 CAF Under -17 African Youth Championship to be hosted by Morocco.

Nigeria has missed two successive African championships held respectively in Algeria and Rwanda in 2009 and 2011  but Governor Imoke said he believed  that  the country was on the verge of turning the corner with the determination written all over their faces.

The Governor, who was at the  Stadium to flag off the state's 3rd Athletics and Swimming Competition for Primary and Secondary Schools, said he has been monitoring the activities of the Golden Eaglets since the camp was opened early this month ,assuring the team of his total support.   

"When we see young talents like all of you here, we are happy and it is our prayer for you to become champions," the Governor said amidst wide applause from Golden Eaglets' officials and players.

"To become great players, you must be focussed and show commitment so that the talents that God has given you would manifest in due course. There is no way you can’t be great champions of Nigeria and the world. We are happy to have you here and we know you are going to enjoy your stay here in Calabar.

“Enjoy Calabar; it is a nice and safe place to be. It is green and it offers you all what you want to become the champions. We want you to come back here after your camping and any time, feel free to come to Cross River State and Calabar is your home,” he told them.

Responding on behalf of the team, Head Coach Manu Garba thanked the Governor and the people of the state for generously hosting the Golden Eaglets, adding that Calabar is now home away from home for every member of the team.

The coach further appealed to the Governor to consider the request of hosting the Golden Eaglets' forthcoming home matches following the run of good results in trial matches. The request the Governor said he has gladly accepted to the delight of all in attendance.

On the entourage of the Governor are top officials of the state including Mr. Patrick Ugbe, the Honourable Commissioner of Sports and Youth Development who has ensured the team's good welfare condition since the start of the second phase closed camping.

Also in the gathering were Chris Green, Chairman NFF’s Technical Committee and Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, Director Technical of the NFF as well as other Golden Eaglets’ crew of coaches, Emmanuel Amuneke (MON), Nduka Ugbade, and Emeka Amadi.