8th April, 2014
Ogenyi Onazi, Super Eagles’ midfielder, made a whistle stop to the Golden Eaglets’ CJ Planet Hotel camp in Abuja on Monday’s evening with a clarion call on the lads to work and pray.
His presence virtually lightened the team’s dining hall as the lads reveled with joy over the presence of the 2013 African Cup of Nations winner. The Italy-based midfielder said his visit was a twin opportunity to seek counsel from Golden Eaglets’ coach, Emmanuel Amuneke ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil as well as offer the wards players in camp the benefit of his experience as a graduate of the national Under-17 team.
Speaking briefly with the players, Onazi advised them to give more than hundred percent while dorning the national team jerseys, adding that they should repose the confidence of the coaching crew that picked them.
“I’m not here to tell you any long story but just to advise,” said the Lazio’s midfielder who was a FIFA Under-17 World Cup silver medalist with the Golden Eaglets in 2009. “I want you to put your mind into what you are doing because only hard work and prayers can help you.”
He further advised the players to pay attention to the instructions of the coaches since there are millions out there who would never get such opportunity of playing for the country.
“Very soon, some of you would be playing for the country in tournaments and if you get such opportunity, please do your best,” he equally said.”Even if it’s only five minutes you get to play, let the technical crew regret the fact that they were keeping you on the bench for long time.”
This was not the first time that Onazi would be identifying with the Golden Eaglets. It would be recalled that Onazi who watch briefly the team’s morning training NFF/ FIFA Goal Project Pitch on Tuesday, gave each member of the 2013 FIFA World Cup-winning team a pair of soccer boots after their conquest in the United Arab Emirates.
Meanwhile, in continuation of their preparation ahead of the WAFU B Tournament in Togo, the Golden Eaglets would file out against youngsters from Abuja Football College at the NFF/ FIFA Goal Project Pitch on Wednesday at 9:00am.
It would be Golden Eaglets’ second test game; coming on the heel of their 6-0 win against the senior women team, the Super Falcons last Saturday. The players have been told for the umpteenth time that only merit would guarantee them a place in the national Under-17 team.
“We are not under any obligation to keep any player that would not be useful to us,” warned Coach Emmanuel Amuneke.” The reason we picked you amongst thousands is because we believe in you, but it is now left for you to convince us that you can do the job.”
The former Nigerian international impressed it upon the players the task ahead of them, adding that they must take routine training sessions and friendly matches seriously.