Members of the FIFA U-17 World Cup winning squad, the Golden Eaglets have confided in Nigerian Pilot that they are yet to recover from the shock after the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF handed them a paltry ₦20, 000 each before they dispersed in Abuja last Thursday.
“It’s surely not the best way to treat heroes. The money they gave us could not even fetch us flight tickets to take us home to see our loved ones,’’ said one of the players who did not want his name in print for fear of victimisation by officials of the football federation.
Another player said on phone yesterday: “I’ve heard about how badly players have been treated in the past. I didn’t think ours would come so soon. I am still, however, grateful to God we came home with the trophy. The victory has opened new doors of opportunity which we are already exploring,’’ said the player who is on verge of sealing a lucrative professional contract with an English Premier League club.
Players and officials of the U-17 National Team returned to the country last Wednesday, following a successful campaign at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.
They were driven round parts of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory in a motorcade before the convoy arrived at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.
The new Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalong, later had dinner with the team at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.
The team will be decamped on Thursday, to reconvene for a presidential reception which Nigerian Pilot gathered, has been scheduled for November 28 in Abuja.
The team helped Nigeria become the first country to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup title for a fifth time in Chile recently.
The Eaglets also became only the second side to retain the FIFA U-17 World Cup with a 2-0 win against Mali in the grand finale.
A key member of the team, Victor Osimhen, clinched the Adidas Silver Ball for the highest goal scorer of the tournament where he banged in a record-breaking ten goals.
Captain Kelechi Nwakali was also adjudged the most valuable player and went home with the Adidas Golden Ball award.
He scored three goals, including two penalties, and provided a further three assists, a haul that also brought him the Adidas Bronze Boot.
lol! 20k? naija. welcome to Buhari era lol. una Neva c anytin
What have you done for naira and what impact have you made? Despite the fact that this is more or less a fake story.
My dear pls.help me tell them to take the money like that abege
The story can’t be real . please let discuss something diff
Common guys, don’t be selfish, it’s a great honor to represent your country in international level. That one alone is a pride, I remember when Canada Men hockey team won the world champions few year ago, all they got what a heroic welcome and hand shakes from top officials. Let us appreciate our government for the opportunities.
I really appreciate your mature comment. Most Nigerian are only interested in what they can get from their country and not what they can give or offer freely for her betterment. Someone should tell me the worth (in monetary terms) of the opportunity of being part of the present Eaglet team, I will give you a standard formula = sum (the total income of a Nigerian player like Mikel Obi from the time he joined Chelsea FC till date). What more reward could anyone expect for serving his Nigeria?
Dats bc dey re not core Hausa boys as most of dem re Biafrans n south west.
With this kind of comment from anyone, I will recommend such as a qualified candidate for automatic recruitment by Book Haram or any other similar group just because of obviousness in conformity of your goals and objectives with theirs.
It’s unfortunate that in this part of the world, we’ve neglected the real thing and started pursuing shadows. I’m most disappointed at most comments made on this issue.
These are young boys aspiring to become stars in their chosen career, needing a world stage like the World Cup for global exposure to be signed on by big club sides. Isn’t it a honour to represent one’s fatherland anymore? Little wonder the most eaglet champions of yesteryear couldn’t really grow to perform at the bigger stage because they placed priorities on monetary gains.
Common! We’re they the best Nigeria could boast off? Shouldn’t they consider themselves lucky enough to have made the final list.
Finally, I’m appalled to read how some Igbo chaps have brought tribalism into this minute issue. As if they would be ready to return home should Biafra nationhood be granted!
I beg let’s face serious matters that call for national progress!!!
It’s unfortunate that in this part of the world, we’ve neglected the real thing and started pursuing shadows. I’m most disappointed at most comments made on this issue.
These are young boys aspiring to become stars in their chosen career, needing a world stage like the World Cup for global exposure to be signed on by big club sides. Isn’t it a honour to represent one’s fatherland anymore? Little wonder the most eaglet champions of yesteryear couldn’t really grow to perform at the bigger stage because they placed priorities on monetary gains.
Common! Were they the best Nigeria could boast off afterall? Shouldn’t they consider themselves lucky enough to have made the final list. They should be grateful to Nigeria and work harder to enter into the shoes of the greats like Drogba, Ronaldo, etc.
Finally, I’m appalled to read how some Igbo chaps have brought tribalism into this minute issue. As if they would be ready to return home should Biafra nationhood be granted!
I beg let’s face serious matters that call for national progress!!!