Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) first vice-president, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi has promised that the nation’s under-20 national team, Flying Eagles will continue receiving adequate support and backing from the soccer governing body.
Footballlive.ng reports that Akinwunmi was impressed by the Flying Eagles’ 1-0 win over Niger Republic on Friday, which ensured Coach Paul Aigbogun’s lads reached the African U-20 Cup of Nations semi-finals at the expense of the hosts country.
Akinwunmi noted that victory in that match did not come easy for Aigbogun’s squad, and reasoned that they will need more backing to step up their efforts, in order to beat Mali in Wednesday’s semi-final and reach the ultimate game set for Sunday in Niamey.
Akinwunmi then charged the team to go all out to defeat Mali, who got to the last-four by pipping Ghana’s Black Satellites 1-0 and picked the last ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Poland.
Akinwunmi, who was match commissioner of Mali’s last group fixture against Ghana, said he has confidence in the Flying Eagles to win again.
Akinwunmi, who is in Niger Republic as a member of CAF Committee for Youth Competitions, visited the Flying Eagles at their training session.
The amiable technocrat, who is also chairman of Lagos State Football Associagtion, said: “I watched the Flying Eagles against the host team.
“That they were able to hold their own in such ambiance is confirmation that they know what is at stake.
“They have the mettle to face the strongest opposition. The Malians are strong, but so are all the four teams in the semi finals.
“The NFF will continue to give all necessary support for the Flying Eagles to go all the way by winning the trophy.”
