The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has described the country's missions abroad as partners in progress and catalyst behind the successes recorded by national teams at various international competitions in recent times.
Alhaji Ahmad Muazu Kawu, Member of the NFF Executive Committee and Chairman of Nigeria Nationwide League, who is the leader of delegation to Niger 2015, made this declaration when Nigeria’s Ambassador to Niger Republic, Alhaji Aliyu Isa Sokoto, paid a visit to the Golden Eaglets' Royal Palace Hotel camp, after their 2-0 win over the host in Sunday’s opening match.
Also in attendance at the brief event were Dr. Muhammed Sanusi, NFF’s Director of Competitions, Coach Siji Lagunju, the Assistant Director in the Technical Department, Mallam Nasiru Jibril, Personal Assistant to NFF President and a host of other NFF staff.
Speaking on behalf of the NFF President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, Kawu said the Federation has tremendous respect for Nigerian embassies abroad and was grateful to Ambassador Sokoto and his Mission Staff who have been at the beck and call of the Golden Eaglets since their arrival in Niamey on Friday.
"We are very grateful that you were here to visit us and importantly, for your hospitality towards us and I want to convey to you the profound appreciation of the NFF board to the forum of Nigerian ambassadors all over the world because of your support to the national teams," Kawu said.
An unassuming Ambassador Sokoto was magnanimous in admitting that the Embassy was only carrying out its statutory function by attending to the well being of the Golden Eaglets. He said he was proud of the performance of the team by winning their first match and indeed, scoring the first two goals of the 11th African Under-17 Championship.
"A lot of people are praising our country for your victory and I'm very pleased that you were able to beat the host team," said the Ambassador who hails from Sokoto State. "We want you to keep up the performance and be assured of our continued support throughout your stay in Niger.
"It is our responsibility to take good care of you here and we want to consider Niger Republic as your home at least for now because Nigerians here would give you the maximum support," he added.
Responding, Coach Emmanuel Amuneke thanked the Ambassador and other embassy officials for helping the team to settle down in Niamey, restating that the objective of the team at Niger 2015 was to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.
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