Nigeria’s Ambassador fetes Golden Eaglets in Kinshasa

Dr. Grant Ehiobuche, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Congo Democratic Republic, hosted the Golden Eaglets to a dinner reception on Saturday after the national Under-17 team beat Les Leopards 1-0 in Kinshasa.

The dinner had in attendance Association of Nigerians in Diaspora in Congo DR as well as officials of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) including leader of delegation, Rafiu Yusuf, Emmanuel Adesanya and Kut Kut Fon.

Ehiobuche, a career diplomat spanning over two decades, said he was happy that the coach Emmanuel Amuneke-led side was able to wipe away the shame of Nigerians leaving in the central African country following the 3-1 thrashing of Kano Pillars and subsequent elimination from the CAF Champions League in February.

He praised the resilience of the team, adding that, the players should be prayerful in order to become the next generation of African superstars.

“Personally, I’m happy for so many reasons apart from the fact that you beat Congo DR,” stated the debonair diplomat who had previously served in Mexico, Japan, Sierra Leone amongst others.

“I actually prayed and fasted that this match should not be played in Lubumbashi because it is a more difficult terrain and I wouldn’t be able to host you well. My other prayer point was for you to come and beat Congo DR and God answered all my prayers regarding this match; and I’m so happy for the team and Nigerians as a whole.”

He warned the players to refrain from anything that could impede them in order to become a great player, noting that, it is about time that a Nigerian is crowned the African Footballer of the Year, following in the footsteps of the late Rashid Yekini (1993); Amuneke (1994); Nwankwo Kanu (1996 & 1999) and Victor Ikpeba (1997).

Meanwhile, the victorious Golden Eaglets are due back in Nigeria on Monday aboard Kenya Airways to continue their preparation for the second leg match against Congo Democratic Republic at most in a forth
night.