‘F/Eagles are good ambassadors’

Niyi Alebiosu, Lagos - 15.07.2008

Following the 1-0 victory of the Flying Eagles of Nigeria over the Junior Lions of Senegal in Dakar, last Saturday in the second leg of African Youth Championship (AYC) qualifier,the Ladan Bosso boys have been descibed as good ambassadors of Nigeria, just as Nigerians have been showering the team with encomiums.

The Flying Eagles largely dominated by members of the Korea 2007 U-17 World Cup-winning Golden Eaglets had defeated the jJnior Lions 2-0 during the first leg encounter played at the M.K.O Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.

Speaking with Tribunesports in Lagos on Monday, former Delta State Commissioner for Sports, Chief Solomon Ogba commended the team and enjoined the players and their coaches to do more with a view to qualifying for the AYC and the World Youth Championship.

The former commisioner also called on the Nigeria Football Associaton (NFA) to do everything humanly possible in supporting the team to excel.

In a related development, the Flying Eagles have been described as true ambassadors of the country going by the victory in Senegal despite all odds against them.

This was the submision of Chief Laide Oropo, former chairman, Ogun State Sports Council, who urged the players to remain focused as they meet Sudan in the next round.

According to him, "in as much as I wish to express my congratulations to the Flying Eagles over the victory, they should not relent in their efforts to pick the AYC ticket."

Former Commissioner for Sports, Rivers State, Barrister Chris Green while speaking with Tribunesports on phone on Monday commeded the team, saying: "It is a great feat as nobody gave them a chance after the 2-0 victory in Abeokuta. I am happy that they proved their worth and made the nation proud despite the threat by the Senegalese that the Flying Eagles would fall in Dakar. I will only advise that they take the remaining matches with all seriousness and determination."