Patrick Ugbe Cautions Eaglets.

The Golden Eaglets have been told explicitly that the only way they can make it to the top of their trade was to shun undisciplined conducts.

This much was stated by Mr. Patrick Ugbe, the Cross River State’s Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development after watching the team’s midday training session at the practice pitch of the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar on Tuesday.

The commissioner said tight duty schedule had prevented him from seeing the team upon their return from Niamey where they recorded a 4-1 win against Junior Menas of Niger.

“I bring to you special greetings from His Excellency, Senator Liyel Imoke, the Executive Governor of Cross River State,” said Ugbe, a seasoned broadcaster. “We are very proud of your achievement against Niger in Niamey and we want you to complete the job on Sunday.”

He said he was impressed with the diligence and general conduct of the team, enjoining the players to be disciplined and focussed: “Your coaches are your role models because they have played at the highest level before and you must listen to them if you want to succeed,” he said even as he reminded the players about the need to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship.

 “Football is a team game and if you are disciplined and play together as a team, no other team would be able to stop you. I wish you well and pray for your victory on Sunday. Calabar is a good venue and we are confident that you are going to win all your qualifying matches here,” he added.

Responding, Manu Garba (MFR), Golden Eaglets’ Head coach, said the team was full of gratitude to Governor Imoke and the good people of Cross River State for all the assistance and support being rendered to the team.

“Once again, we want you to convey our special greetings to Governor Imoke and we hope he would continue to support us. We are at home in Calabar and we want to thank you for all the support so far, we are very grateful,” stated Garba.