Golden Eaglets Berth In Uyo.

The Golden Eaglets have arrived  Uyo, the capital of neighbouring Akwa Ibom state from their Calabar camp ahead of key friendly matches asthey intensify preparations towards the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cupin the UAE.

A team of 33 players and eight officials sans  Coach Manu Garba(MFR); Tayo Egbaiyelo( Team Secretary) and Captain Musa Muhammed  whotravelled to  Abu Dhabi  for the Official World Cup Draw,  landed in Uyo at midday on Sunday  accompanied by Mr. Greg Abang, the secretaryof  the Cross River Sate Football Association.
The trip  was at the instance of the  Nigeria FootballFederation(NFF)  since Calabar  would  be a beehive of activities this week  with the hosting of this year’s Nigerian BarAssociation(NBA) Annual General Conference at TINAPA Business  Resort In Calabar between August 25th and 30th.
Officials said it was very important that the national Under-17 team continue their preparations towards the World Cup without any atom of distraction hence the need to travel to Uyo-which incidentally wascarved out of the present Cross River State-for friendly matches.
“It is part of our obligation to provide the enabling environment forthe Golden Eaglets to have their training sessions without anyhindrance at any given time,” affirmed Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme. “But wefind it expedient to move the team to Uyo because Cross State ishosting the NBA conference this week."
While in Uyo, the Golden Eaglets are expected to play at least onefriendly match with a local-based team. The Golden Eaglets are not newto  Uyo having being part  of activities to  commemorate  the Golden Jubilee (50th) birthday anniversary of the Executive Governor of AkwaIbom State, Chief (Dr) Godswill Obot Akpabio (CON), when they beatthe Akwa Ibom U-17 Selected  side 6-1 at the Uyo Township Stadium lastDecember. The team meanwhile is expected back in Calabar by theweekend.