Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have been challenged by National Sports Commission Director General Bukola Olopade to perform strongly at the WAFU B U17 Championship in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Olopade watched the U17 National Team’s final training session in Nigeria on Monday at the FIFA Goal Project, MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, before the squad’s departure for the tournament, which begins this weekend in the Burkinabe capital.
His visit came as an unexpected boost for the players and officials, who are being led by head coach Eboboritse Uwejamomere.
After observing the session, Olopade reminded the players of the importance of representing Nigeria at youth international level and urged them to approach the competition with determination.
“A great opportunity has been given to you all as young footballers to represent Nigeria at the U17 national team level. It is therefore very important for you to do well and excel,” Olopade said.
“This is football, which falls directly under the NFF, but as the Director General of the NSC, with football and other sports under my supervision, I am here to encourage you to take the task ahead very seriously.”
The NSC director general also said the team would have the support of the government and people of Nigeria, while promising that their efforts would be recognised if they achieved their objectives.
“The government and people of Nigeria want you to succeed at the WAFU B U17 Championship, and I can assure you that you will be graciously rewarded at the end,” he said.
Olopade identified qualification for the U17 AFCON tournament as the immediate target, with a place at next year’s FIFA U17 World Cup the longer-term ambition.
“The aim is to qualify for the U17 AFCON tournament and thereafter, the FIFA U17 World Cup next year,” he added.
Nigeria’s most recent appearance at the FIFA U17 World Cup finals came in 2019, when Brazil hosted the competition.
Olopade said he was confident the Golden Eaglets could end that wait, provided they followed the guidance of their coaching staff.
“I am very optimistic that this team will not disappoint Nigerians. So, play according to what you have learnt under the head coach, and I strongly believe that you will perform very well and qualify for the U17 AFCON,” he said.