THIS GOLDEN EAGLETS MAKE YOU FEEL PROUDLY NIGERIA!

Dubai: Three weeks now, since Fifa under 17 world cup began in United Arab Emirate (UAE), Nigerian traders in Dubai at this time have been enjoying some special attention and pleasantries from people in the tourist city. It has open up new business opportunities and some have already sealed up some big deals. You can only imagine what’s going on here.

A Nigeria trader who goes by the name Al’Moshir said, “The rather hostile Arabs are now showing us some love since Golden Eaglets (Nigeria Under 17 team) began their display of football class in the on going Fifa Under 17 World cup.” “Some companies here now are more willing to extend some special discounts to our traders.” Moshir explained. “The conversation always starts with football and my supplier, Bin Ahmyad, has asked me again and again how Nigeria was able to develop such enterprising youthful players. It’s going to be better now, since Nigeria has won the trophy.”

Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium: It’s amazing really, but more and more of these crazy Nigerian football fans traveled several miles all across UAE and beyond to cheer this Golden Eaglets team to victory. And it doesn’t matter that fifa under 17 World Cup is just a developmental competition, but the class this Nigerian side displayed so far endeared more and more fans. Obinna Ikedia, a fan in Abu Dhabi said,”This Eaglets are fun to watch. You’re almost sure that they’ll run over their next opponent at the finals. So it’s fun to go see how they did it in class. Congratulations! We’re so proud of your team,we're so proud to be Nigerians.”

As usual, Nigerian fans trooped into Mohammed Bin Zayed stadium dressed in green on white shirts, which depicts the country’s flag.  This unrelenting supporters sang, danced and continually boasted that the Golden Eaglets will out score Mexico once again in the finals. This time it was Nigeria 3 Vs Mexico 0.

Presidential Delegation: Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, is so proud of the young lads that he sent out high reputable delegates, led by the Senate President, David Mark and some honorable members of the House of Representatives. The delegation was on ground with Nigeria’s football ambassador, Nwankwo Kanu, to receive the trophy.

Nigeria Goes Agog: By 5pmm all activities stopped in Nigeria. Mothers stop to cook the evening meals, Office shut down and the road traffic was virually empty. Everyone was glued to their TV set and some went to the big screens at viewing centers to watch Eaglets defeat Mexico once again to lift FIFA under 17 world cup for the forth time. Nigerians love this team, There something so thrilling about them  – from the goal keeper, Dele Alampasu to the childish smiles of the delinquent goal seeker, Chidera Ezeh, or the tireless runs of the team Captain, Yusuf Mohammed and others like Nwakali, Yahyah, Abubakar, Bello, Alfa… The team is so young but possesses the techniques, fighting spirit and some exceptional skills.

Many football analysts likened the team’s style of play with that of the glorious FC Barcelona. And their scoring ability is something else – Everyone in the team can score. This is perhaps the best Eaglets ever.

Set New Records: This Eaglets team scored a total of 26 goals to break the 24 goals record previously held by Ghana Starlets.

We congratulate the team Coach, Manu Garba and his coaching crew. They’ve done well - a great job indeed.  And just about record breaking, the Assistant Coach, Nduka Ugbade is the first to have won FIFA under 17 World Cup as a player and as a coach.