Celebrations As Golden Eaglets Arrive Abuja
All roads lead to the Federal Capital Territory as the FIFA U17 World Champions, the Golden Eaglets, have touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, today November 11, 2015.
The Nigeria Football Federation has revealed that the 'golden boys' will experience a very big reception, adding that an open-bus-parade around town in Abuja will follow before its climax at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Maitama - Abuja.
READ ALSO: Gov Ambode’s Congratulatory Message To The Victorious Golden Eaglets
The Eaglets and officials were met by a cultural troupe just outside the arrival hall of the Airport.
Legit.ng sports was present to usher in the champions. Also there to greet the players were the director general of the national sports commission (NSC), Al-Hassan Yakmut; Shehu Dikko, the second vice president of the NFF; Seyi Akinwunmi, the first vice president of the NFF and other dignitaries from the NSC.
Abuja residents came out en masse with Nigerian flags to welcome the team back to the country. Primary and secondary students also came out to cheer them on, with the team waving to the people.
The team left the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport for the federal secretariat amidst pomp and pageantry, the entourage arrived at the Transcorp Hilton to freshen up before a dinner and gala night which has been pre-arranged for them by the sports commission.
“It is a great feeling to be world champions, I’m happy that I have represented my country, state and family well and we can see that this has made a lot of people happy too.” an elated Funsho Bamgboye who scored the winning goal in the final told journalists.
“Really, what matters more to me is the cheerful feelings of Nigerians. It is a thing of joy to see Nigerians bask in the euphoria of what we have done. I am particularly happy that out of 170 million Nigerians I was privileged and honored to serve my fatherland. I am glad that we are collectively celebrating today,” the head coach of the team, Emmanuel Amunike, told the media that were present.
“The entire nation is proud of you. You have done a great thing to bring honour to this country, and Mr. President is very delighted. I also wish to convey to you the joy of the new Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports,” the NSC director-general Yakmut told journalists.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed sports minister, Barrister Solomon Dalong had dinner with the team at the Transcorp Hilton. The NFF asked the team to disperse and meet with their families pending the presidential reception.
In a chat with Legit.ng sports on Thursday morning, Yakmut said he did not know when the president will host the team: "Of course the president will host the team but I don't when the president will host them but I believe it will be soon but for now we will wait for his directive."
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More photos below:
Source: Legit.ng
