2013 Ballon d'Or: FIFA Invites Iheanacho, Alampasu

Golden Eaglets' duo of striker Kelechi Iheanacho and Goalkeeper Dele Alampasu have been invited by world's soccer ruling body, FIFA as part of dignitaries to witness the annual Ballon d'Or to be hosted in Zurich next year.

FIFA noted that the duo who emerged on top of the honours' rack at the just concluded FIFA U-17 World Cup in the UAE have been chosen to be part of the select crowd that would witness the gala after for winning the Adidas Golden Ball Award and Golden Gloves Award on the wings of
Nigeria's record fourth World Cup trophy.

" On behalf of FIFA, I would like to congratulate you once again on winning the Adidas Golden Ball Award(Iheanacho); Golden Gloves(Alampasu) at this year's FIFA's U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates for the best player of the tournament," wrote Sandra Marfurt,Head of Special Events and Guest Management.

“We would like to end this successful year with you and your companion as our guests of honour at the annual FIFA Ballon d'Or gala at the Zurich. Kongresshaus on Monday, 13 January 2014."

FIFA's cheering news was broken to the team on their bus ride to Abuja from Minna where they were hosted to a dinner banquet by Chief Servant of Niger State, Governor Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu.

" I considered this as blessing from God and a privilege to be invited by FIFA to witness the presentation of the awards to the best players,” said Iheanacho who was enjoying Akon's hit track, Freedom on his phone when the news filtered in

Equally elated was Alampasu:"I'm so happy with the invitation from FIFA and I have to thank God for this recognition."