Date: 2012-08-07

Emir of Ilorin, Sulu Gambari, has prayed for the Flying Eagles to beat Tanzania on Sunday on their way to even greater glory.

The football-loving traditional ruler prayed for the African champions when they visited him at his palace in Ilorin Monday afternoon.

The monarch also gave them a cash gift of 100,000 Naira.

"God will bless and crown all your efforts with abundance success because you are the future of Nigerian football," said the Emir, who was once the First vice-chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation.

"I'm very much part of you because I'm deeply involved in football having played for the Ilorin Province.

"You will win on Sunday by God's grace and I also want to see you play for yourself so that very soon most of you will be playing in Europe.

"You are lucky to be picked from million others. That means you are special."

The top traditional ruler further assured the team led by coach John Obuh that Ilorin "The City of Harmony" will be their home until they have qualified for the African Youth Championship in Algeria next year.

"This will be your home till you have qualified for the African Youth Championship," said the life patron of both Kwara United and Shooting Stars, who also posed for a group photograph with the team.

Both Obuh and Kwara State sports commissioner Kayode Towoju appreciated the support the team have enjoyed from His Royal Highness.

"God is behind you and so he is also behind us in this state of peace. You are our father and we are therefore most grateful for you finding time to address and encourage us," said Towoju.

"This team want to go all the way to win the World Cup next year and then we will come back and present it to you."