Sports Minister says Eaglets’ performance is “phenomenal’’

The Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Wednesday in Abuja described the Golden Eaglets' performance at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as "phenomenal''.

A statement issued by Julius Ogunro, the minister's Special Assistant on Media, said Abdullahi was impressed with the "clinical finishing'' of the Eaglets.

It quoted the minister as saying "the team is probably the best under-17 male football side Nigeria had produced in a long time and its prospect of winning the competition is very high''.

The statement said the minister had also spoken with the players on telephone from his office.

"He (Abdullahi) assured them that Nigerians are behind them and praying for them to lift the trophy,'' it said.

The statement said the minister also told the Eaglets that President Goodluck Jonathan fully supports them and was happy with the victories they had recorded so far.

"The administration of President Jonathan has a policy of rewarding outstanding sportsmen and women, and so you should focus on winning the championship for a chance of meeting with the President,'' it quoted the minister to have said.

The statement said Abdullahi also commended the team's Manu Garba-led technical crew for proper management of the team.

"You should ensure that the players do not get carried away by their recent achievements,'' he said.(NAN)