Jonathan Motivates Flying Eagles

President Goodluck Jonathan has charged the Flying Eagles to make the proud in the ongoing FIFA Under 20 World Cup in Colombia as the team confront England on Wedenesday in the round of 16.

Nigeria emerged the best qualifying team from the group phase with maximum nine points and 12 goals for with only two against.

The President was at his best when he spoke to the players and officials of the Under 20 National Team, Flying Eagles,this afternoon, before their clash with the England Under 20 Team at the World Cup’s Round of 16.

The President first spoke to Head Coach, Sam John Obuh, who reminded the Nigeria leader of their meeting during the FIFA Under 17 World Cup Nigeria 2009.

¨Sir, I remember how you gingered the team with great words and charged them to listen to the Coach’s instructions, and they obeyed you. We eventually drew that match and went on to win silver medal in the tournament.

¨Now, you are the President, and deserves nothing less than gold. That was why we went all out to give you the gold medal and trophy at the African Youth Championship in South Africa in May, with which you celebrated your first year in office. We are equally determined to win this FIFA U-20 World Cup in order to make Your Excellency and Nigerians happy¨, said Obuh.

Obuh, told the President his words of encouragement at half time gingered the Golden Eaglets to come from a two-goal deficit to draw 3-3 with Germany in the opening match of the tournament.

Obuh, said team won a gold medal at the African Youth Championship in May,because he deserve nothing less than Gold, adding that they are equally determined to win the FIFA Under 20 World Cup in order to make him and Nigerians happy.

President Jonathan then spoke with individual members of the technical crew, in this order: Assistant Coach Abimbola Samuel, Assistant Coach Yakubu Maidajin, Goalkeeper’s trainer Suleiman Shuaibu.

The players followed: Terna Suswam, Danjuma Paul, Bright Ejike, Sani Emmanuel, Chimezie Mbah, Olanrewaju Kayode, Kenneth Omeruo, Omoh Ojabu, Ramon Azeez, Felix Udoh, Edafe Egbedi, AbdulJelil Ajagun, Emmanuel Anyanwu, Terry Envoh, Uche Nwofor, Philemon Daniel, Kazim Yekini, Ganiu Ogungbe, Gideon Gambo, Ahmed Musa, Sani Tahir.

The NFF Media Officer, Ademola Olajire, confirmed that all the players assured President Goodluck Jonathan that they would do the country proud at FIFA’s second most important competition.

The present Under 20 National Team has been well-prepared for the on-going tournament by the Nigeria Football Federation, playing friendly matches and camping in four different continents since the beginning of this year.

The team camped and played matches in Africa, Asia, Europe, America and Korea Republic.

Chairman of the NFF Technical Committee, Barrister Chris Green, who coordinated the trans-atlantic telephone conversation, assured President Jonathan that the boys are in high spirit and would do Nigeria proud. Team Coordinator Abdul Sule insisted that President Jonathan’s first name, Goodluck, would follow the team all the way at the tournament.