Date: 2013-11-11

The Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, has congratulated the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria for their triumph at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, describes the Golden Eaglets' display as phenomenal, entertaining, inspiring and delightful to watch".Governor Ahmed stressed that the victory was a pointer that with unity of purpose, Nigeria could rule the world in every facet of life.

He added that the unity of purpose displayed by the boys demonstrated that all hands must be on deck in the task of enthroning people-oriented democracy in the country through a culture of openness and equity.

According to the governor:

The boys remind government at all levels the need to invest hugely in the future of the country by making the environment conducive for the youths."

Ahmed noted that the Eaglets had demonstrated from the beginning of the tournament they would win the trophy for the record of fourth time through their resilience.

He said the state is proud to have one of its own, Taiwo Awoniyi, as a member of the team and congratulated the Awoniyi family, who are from Ola in Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.

Ahmed promised that his administration would continue to give priority to the development of the youths by making sporting facilities available for them to strive.

The All Progressives Congress has also heartily congratulated Nigeria's national Under-17 World Cup team, the Golden Eaglets, for its historic and exciting victory at the 2013 edition of the global tournament in the United Arab Emirates.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the victory is a clear indication that Nigerian youths have what it takes to be world beaters in all areas of human endeavours.

It said if such a huge success can be achieved at a time that Nigerian youths have been left demoralised by the malodorous policies of a government that keeps scoring own goals, one can only imagine the kind of positive energy that will be unleashed by the youths under a responsive, purposeful government.

The APC hailed the team's hardworking handlers as well as the determined players for the victory, which has written Nigeria into the history books as the most successful country in the history of the tournament, having won an unprecedented four FIFA Under-17 World Cup titles, a feat that even the global football powerhouse, Brazil, can only dream of at the moment.

The victory is even sweeter because the Golden Eaglets did not lose a single match all through the tournament," the party said.

It said apart from the well-deserved goodies that may be showered on the team and its officials, the best way to honour the boys is to ensure their collective nurturing and graduation to the next age-grade, with the hope that they will eventually play for the country's senior national team, the Super Eagles.

That way, we can be sure that Nigeria will sooner than later join the league of nations that have won the main FIFA World Cup," the APC said.

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has applauded the Coach Manu Garba-led national under-17 football team on its victory at the just-concluded FIFA U-17 World Cup 2013 held in the United Arab Emirates.

Their victory, the TUC said in a statement on Sunday, is a well-deserved product of commitment and patriotism.

The statement said:

The Congress and the whole world saw the resilient Nigerian spirit and skill on display throughout the competition which the Golden Eaglets won for a record fourth time. The boys showed total commitment, patriotism, strong character and doggedness, and deep hunger and thirst for success. They were an exemplary study in burning desire to bring glory to their country.

The team played with the same unity and love that were evident among the founding fathers of the nation, giving no consideration to any regional, tribal or religious sentiments. There was no division among them. Irrespective of their different ethnic and religious backgrounds, they played as true Nigerians and for Nigeria. Indeed their conduct and victory affirm the fact that Nigerians have reason to be hopeful despite the challenges we face today, and prove that there is nothing we cannot achieve as a nation so long as we remain united. The trajectory of their march from one match victory to the next shows our limitless possibilities at every turn if we accommodate one another. As they collectively took on every opponent so we can and must, as one man, successfully take on the challenges that bedevil our nation.

We specially commend President Goodluck Jonathan, the Sports Minister, the Nigeria Football Federation and the generality of Nigerians at home and abroad (especially those in the UAE) for the massive goodwill and moral/financial support given to our Golden Eaglets during the championship. It is our hope that members of the team will also be promptly and adequately rewarded and all promises made them fulfilled without delay. A labourer is worthy of his wages, and honour should be given to whom it is due. This is one sure way to inspire and sustain the patriotic zeal and the spirit of excellence in the younger generation and the rest of the citizenry.

The Congress congratulates President Goodluck Jonathan, the entire Golden Eaglets team, all Nigerians and the whole of Africa. At the same time we charge politicians and office holders – indeed all Nigerians – to learn from the selfless, patriotic zeal and commitment of the boys and the technical crew of the team and shun all divisive sentiments so that we can make optimal progress as a nation."

The statement was signed by Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, the President of the TUC, and Comrade Musa Lawal, the union's Secretary General.