31st July, 2015
Executive Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, has assured that the National U-17 Team, Golden Eaglets would be accorded royal treatment during their close-camping ahead of 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.
This was disclosed by Alhaji Balele Dan-Arewa Kurfi following a meeting with the governor at the Katsina Government House in Abuja.
Alhaji Balele who is the Senior Special Assistant on Sports to Governor Masari, said arrangement towards the team’s camping has been finalized.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure that you have the best camping experience in Katsina and that was the assurance given today by the governor,” said Dan-Arewa who was special assistant to former sports minister, Colonel Abdulmumini Aminu (retd).
He said the state was impressed with what was done for the Golden Eaglets by Cross River State on the team’s way to winning a record fourth FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in 2013.
“The Golden Eaglets did well the last time and His Excellency is leaving nothing to chance to ensure that you enjoy a good camping in Katsina before you travel to Chile to defend the world title,” he noted.
Balele further revealed that the Golden Eaglets would have their training sessions at the newly-opened Karkanda Stadium in Katsina and would be housed in one of the city’s best hotel facilities with maximum security.
Meanwhile, Team Nigeria UK a.k.a. Soaring Eaglets on Thursday narrowly lost 1-0 to the Golden Eaglets at the Abuja National Stadium.
Winger Sunday Alimi scored the only goal of the match in the 38th minute. Team Nigeria UK assembled amongst overseas-based Nigerians in Europe, USA and Canada had earlier lost 9-0 on Wednesday but gave an improved performance against Golden Eaglets made up of newest trialists.
Coach Emmanuel Amuneke introduced some of his more experienced players including captain Kelechi Nwakali on the resumption of the second half but the player was sent off in the 73rd minute for poor conduct by FIFA -licensed referee Abdullahi Shuaibu.