NFF Hails Nigerians, Colombians for support

NFF President, Aminu Maigari, has heaped praises on all Nigerians for their massive support for the Flying Eagles, during its campaign at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.

He also commended the huge support of Colombian football fans at all three centres where Nigeria played during the tournament, adding that over 30,000 of 33,000 spectators were in support of the Nigerian team during their quarter final match against France.

“We had huge support from our own people back home, across all spectra and divides, and we cannot complain of a lack of support. We thank every Nigerian for their toil and good wishes for the team.

“Our people had to stay awake late in the night and sometimes in the early hours to watch the team play.

“Colombians were marvelous with their support at the stadiums in Armenia, Pereira and Cali. The day we played France, more than 30,000 of the 33,000 spectators were firmly on our side. It is a pity we let them down.

“Even after the match, they were all on their feet shouting ‘Nigeria, Nigeria’. It was such a moving spectacle and we just cannot but appreciate this incredible show of emotion for our team”, said Maigari.

He stressed that the Colombian football supporters were still hailing them despite being butted out of the tournament.

The Flying Eagles were eliminated from the tournament after a 2-3 defeat by France in the quarter-finals on Sunday.