The Golden Eaglets earned a morale-boosting, come-from-behind 4-2 win over Hungary on Saturday to start their hunt for a sixth world title on a positive note, leaving many including politicians and celebrities singing their praises.
President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Sports Minister Sunday Dare and Musical icon Don Jazzy are among the numerous fans who have sent their congratulatory messages to the coach Manu Garba tutored lads.
Nigeria, five-time world U17 champions, staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Hungary 4-2 in their first Group B fixture at the 2019 Fifa U17 World Cup.
Samson Tijani’s brace and lone efforts from Usman Ibrahim and Oluwatimilehin Adeniyi secured maximum points for the African country at Estadio Olimpico in Goiania after the Hungarians had led through an early goal from Gyorgy Komaromi and again through Samuel Major.
Congratulatory messages have not stopped flowing in since for the Golden Eaglets.
President Buhari via his official Twitter account said:
“Our opening game in Brazil last night was a wonderful display that I am very proud of. Congratulations to the Golden Eaglets! I have no doubt in my mind that they are determined to win the #FIFAU17WC for an unparalleled sixth time.
“I have followed the journey leading to their arrival in Brazil; have noted the determination and confidence throughout their preparations. This is the true, resilient Nigerian spirit at work. I will personally be monitoring their progress in the competition. #SoarGoldenEaglets”
I have followed the journey leading to their arrival in Brazil; have noted the determination and confidence throughout their preparations. This is the true, resilient Nigerian spirit at work. I will personally be monitoring their progress in the competition. #SoarGoldenEaglets
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) October 27, 2019
Senate President Ahmad Lawan also tweeted:
“The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria began its quest for FIFA Under-17 World Cup trophy with the defeat of Hungary last night. Our hope and prayer is that this victory will continue until our boys bring home the cup. Congratulations!”
https://www.twitter.com/DrAhmadLawan/status/1188317616139591680
Mr Sunday Dare, Minister of Youths and Sports Development said:
“Congratulations Golden Eaglets! Truly Golden. There’s NO killing the Nigerian spirit!”
Congratulations Golden Eaglets! Truly Golden. There’s NO killing the Nigerian spirit !
— Sunday Dare,CON (@SundayDareSD) October 26, 2019
I was on my feet almost throughout the game. I watched these boys train in Abuja and I knew they were a bunch of good players. We move on with lessons learnt. I am confident they will get better and stronger. We just saw the Nigerian football spirit back on ! pic.twitter.com/6GtqO93KDQ
— Sunday Dare,CON (@SundayDareSD) October 26, 2019
Senator Uba Sani also said:
“Congratulations to the Golden Eaglets for starting the #FIFAU17WC with a win over Hungary last night. I am optimistic that they will continue with this winning spirit in their quest to bring home the trophy.”
Congratulations to the Golden Eaglets for starting the #FIFAU17WC with a win over Hungary last night. I am optimistic that they will continue with this winning spirit in their quest to bring home the trophy. pic.twitter.com/Doi4c2Hxpp
— Senator Uba Sani (@ubasanius) October 27, 2019
While the founder of Marvin Records, Don Jazzy tweeted:
“Deservedly, the Golden Eaglets have began the pursuit for our 6th FIFA U 17 world cup trophy in a triumphant fashion. The 2nd half come back after we were behind even made the victory more pleasurable. What are d odds for us to win d trophy, considering that performance? #NGAHUN”
https://www.twitter.com/DONJAZZY/status/1188443344604729344
The victory sees Nigeria climb to the summit of Group B with three points after their opening game. They will be hoping to build on their gallant display when they tackle Ecuador on Tuesday.