U-23 Eagles Urged To Remain In Benin

Still basking in the euphoria of the successes recorded by the U-23 Eagles during their qualifying matches in Benin, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State says his government would graciously make Benin as home of the Olympic team.

The team had in their previous outings beat Equatorial Guinea 5-0 in the 2012 Olympic qualifier, while the U-23 Eagles defeated Liberia 6-1 in the All Africa Games qualifier at the same Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium last weekend.

An elated governor Oshiomhole, who watched weekend’s game against Liberia with former governor of the state, Lucky Igbinedion, said Benin has been a good ground for the team. Incidentally, one of the sons of the state, Austin Eguavoen is in charge of the team.

“The successes recorded by the U-23 Eagles here in Benin in their two matches reflected the heart of our people in Edo State,” said Oshiomhole. “There is no doubt that our people are known for good things and are glad with the feat of the team, who coached by one of our sons.

“The goal feast in the last two matches; 5-0 against Equatorial Guinea and 6-1 against Liberia showed that our land is fertile and it’s a good ground for the U-23 Eagles. They can achieve their ambitions here and go ahead to fly Nigeria’s colours in the Olympics and the All Africa Games. “As a state, we’ll be happy and be grateful to the football authority if it can give the U-23 Eagles to adopt Benin as their home for their remaining qualifiers.

“we are ready to give them the necessary support for the team to achieve their ambition. We’ll encourage the state’s Football Association to bring more of the team’s matches to Benin,” the governor said.

Responding to the gesture of the Edo State governor in separate interviews, 1st vice chairman of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Chief Mike Umeh said: “Edo State is a winning state. We have been discussing with the government on the need for the U-23 Eagles to play their matches here in Benin and it will be wonderful if the parties involved can find a common ground to bring this to reality.

“The governor has been supportive, while the people, especially the fans have been wonderful with the warm reception given to the team in Benin.

“You can see in the match against Liberia, when our team were a goal down in the first half, the fans were solidly behind them, cheering until the players got their rhythm back and the goals started going in.

“This was what the NFF wants from our fans whenever we are playing at home. No matter the situation, the support must be strong and friendly. This, I believe will motivate the players to deliver,” he concluded.

By Taiwo Adelu, Benin