Newly appointed Minister of Youth & Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalong on Wednesday
in what was his first official assignment after taking the oath of
office earlier in the day, gave kudos to the Golden Eaglets for winning a
record fifth FIFA U-17 World Cup at Chile 2015.
Nigeria Sports Minister praises victorious Eaglets |
Speaking at reception organized by the Federal Ministry of Youth
and Sports led by DG Sports, Mallam Alhassan Yakmut for the Golden
Eaglets and the Scrabble World Cup-winning team at the Transcorp Hiton
Hotel in Abuja,Dalong said Nigerians were happy with the Eaglets for
representing the country with pride in Chile. He equally challenged
administrators to be alive to their responsibilities in order to change
the face of the sport sector of the economy.
“The performance of the Golden Eaglets at the World Cup has shown
that success has so many fathers,” said Dalong.” If they had lost,
Nigerians would have not have welcomed with love. But their victory has
once again shown that sport is a universal tool for our unity because
the players were picked from different places but they were united as
one in Chile.
“We want to thank them and their officials for making us proud with
their performance,” he stated, advising administrators to find a
lasting solution to all manner of malaise, including internal wrangling,
which has endangered the growth of sports in the country over the
years.
NFF 1st Vice President, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi, wished the new
Minister a successful tenure in office even as he reiterated the
federation’s commitment to a sustainable football culture with
systematic approach towards it’s development.
“Though many people did not give these boys a chance when they were
traveling out of the country,the NFF knew they have the capacity,”
noted Akinwunmi. “In truth, the victory of the team is a continuation of
Nigerian football’s rich culture at the U-17 level but we are
developing a systematic approach so that we can nurture them for the
future.”
He affirmed the desire of the NFF at ensuring transition of players
from one level to the other hence it’s decision to re-confirm Coach
Amuneke as Eaglets’ Head Coach with additional responsibility of
assisting coach Manu Garba at the U-20 level.
Also in attendance at the event were a host of top administrators
from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as the NFF
including 2nd Vice President Mallam Shehu Dikko; Alhaji Ahmad Kawu;
Alhaji Ahmed Fresh; Hon. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande; Chief Felix Anyansi
and; General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.
Coach Amuneke gave the vote of thanks, calling on both Muslim and
Christian sports administrators in the country to embrace God in other
to discharge their duties without fear or favour and to treat equally
every Nigerian irrespective of ethic or religious differences.
Source The NFF
Nigeria Sports Minister praises victorious Eaglets
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