Sunday Dare charges NFF to prepare Flying Eagles to win FIFA World Cup
Nigeria’s sports minister, Sunday Dare
Rasheed Adewuyi
Nigeria’s minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has tasked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to adequately prepare the U20 team, Flying Eagles, to challenge for the FIFA U20 World Cup trophy in Indonesia in a few weeks.
The minister threw the challenge to the nation’s football federation and head coach Ladan Bosso at a reception he hosted for the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations bronze medalist at the Moshood Abiola national stadium in Abuja on today.
“You have returned from Egypt with the bronze medal and the FIFA World Cup ticket, and a few other prizes, but the FIFA World Cup is in a few weeks and I want you to focus your mind on winning it for Nigeria for the first time. I understand Ghana is the only African country that has won the FIFA U20 World Cup. If Ghana can win it, why not Nigeria?
“I am happy about your performance in Egypt because you were able to come from a position of adversity – a depressing loss to The Gambia in the semi final–to fire on all cylinders to defeat Tunisia for the bronze medals.
“That is the spirit that the government and people of Nigeria want you to take to the World Cup.
“We are on the same page with the NFF on adequate preparation of our National teams for matches and competitions, and I believe they will provide you with good-enough preparation for the global finals in Indonesia.”
Team’s Coach Bosso, praised the Minister for his fatherly love, encouragement and support for the team since hosting the team to a similar reception after it won the WAFU B U-20 championship in Niamey 10 months ago.
“We are always encouraged by your inspiring and motivating words, and the length you go to simply support the team and our dreams,” Bosso stated.
“I told you after the victory in Niamey that our target was doing well at the AFCON in order to earn a FIFA World Cup ticket. Now, just as I told the Nigeria Ambassador to Egypt in Cairo on Saturday, I want you to know that our fresh target is doing very well at the FIFA World Cup.”
All players and team officials were at the reception, bar Belgium-based Ahmed Abdullahi, who is back at his base in Europe.
Also at the reception were the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Alhaji Ismailia Abubakar; Director of Federations and Elite Athletes Department, Dr. Simon Ebhojiaye; Chairman of the IMC, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye; Chief of Staff to the Hon. Minister, Alhaji Abba Abdullahi Yola; NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire and; NFF’s Head of International Competitions, Dayo Enebi Achor.
The Flying Eagles will go on a short break before reconvening for the phased preparations for the FIFA World Cup, taking place in Indonesia, 20th May – 11th June.
