For about 25 minutes on Saturday evening, President Muhammadu Buhari showed that he was more than a politician, he revealed ‘Buhari the football tactician’
.
Buhari who reeled tactics and discussed strategy with the team, instructed Nigeria and tournament top striker, Victor Osimhen to “strike like a thunder” against Mali in the final on Sunday.
Buhari spoke with the Golden Eaglets and their officials, urging them to strive for victory tomorrow in the final of the Under-17 FIFA World Cup holding in Chile.
It would be recalled that Nigeria first won the same tournament in China in 1985, when President Buhari was military head of state, and he urged the team to repeat the same feat tomorrow against Mali, to make it the fifth time Nigeria will win the trophy.
Starting with the head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, President Buhari congratulated him for leading the team to the final, and then said: “Your victory tomorrow will remind Nigerians of what happened in China 30 years ago, and it will raise the morale of Nigerians, especially the youths. We’re praying for you. We are anxiously waiting to receive the cup. Please put us on the world map of soccer again.”
Speaking to Udoh Akpan, the goalkeeper, President Buhari said he was a very strategic member of the team, noting:”If you don’t let in the goals, then none will be scored against us. We look forward to lifting the cup.”
To John Lazarus, a defender, the President said, “don’t allow anybody to penetrate the defense,” while charging Tobechukwu Ibe, another defender to “rest well today, because a lot of Nigerians will be depending on you tomorrow.”
To top striker, Victor Osimhen, who has scored 9 goals so far, President Buhari said:”Strike like thunder tomorrow. I believe you will bring us victory.”
The captain of the team, Kelechi Nwakali, was charged to maintain his winning leadership , while Joel Osikel, a midfielder, was told by the President that he was “the jewel of the team,” and challenged to contribute his quota towards victory.
Apart from the 21 players and head coach, President Buhari also had encouraging words for other members of the technical team, the team doctor, physiotherapist, media officer, and other officials.
Both Coach Amuneke and the team captain thanked President Buhari for his support, and promised not to let him and the country down. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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And after winning the tournament, they will come home to a hopeless and balkanised country under your watch....
ReplyDeleteFootball nifies but there is need to work on unemployment and social problems....
I don't know why some of you make senseless remarks about this country. I am not surprised, because those of you, who were trained with packaged cow milk instead of breast milk will not appreciate your father's land.
Delete@10:26 PM IN CAPS YOU ARE A FOOL.
DeleteFool just like your fore father? No no no!!!
DeleteAt the end a fool is someone who cannever see wrong done by the one he follows shipishly. How many companies have sacked thousands of workers these few months
ReplyDeleteNothing on earth should make u call urselves names and for even cos anyone Strife's with his brother division and hatred comes yet as far as Nigeria is concerned , you are brothers. Let's give everyone a chance and correct in love, Nigeria will be better. It all begins with 'YOU and I' . YOU GUYS BETTER MAKE UP FRIENDS.
ReplyDeleteNothing on earth should make u call urselves names and for even cos anyone Strife's with his brother division and hatred comes yet as far as Nigeria is concerned , you are brothers. Let's give everyone a chance and correct in love, Nigeria will be better. It all begins with 'YOU and I' . YOU GUYS BETTER MAKE UP FRIENDS.
ReplyDelete