President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari has called on the U-17 Women National Team, Flamingoes, to go all out fo victory in Sunday’s final Group D clash with Mexico at the on-going 4th FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
The NFF President spoke in Alajuela while praising the girls for their strong mentality that shone through in the 2-1 defeat of Colombia on Wednesday, which shot the Flamingoes into the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup quarter finals for the third successive time.
“Against China and Colombia, you showed excellent mentality and took the three points without brooking any debate. For me, the NFF and the entire Nigeria football family, there is still a long way to go.
“I do not align with those people who feel that Sunday’s clash with the Mexicans is an academic affair. Yes, we are already in the quarter finals. But it is important that we go for a win in that game in order to sustain our winning mentality,” Maigari said.
The NFF President continued: “I am proud of what you have done so far in this tournament. We are winning, so we should sustain that winning mentality to carry us all the way to the trophy. If we rest on our oars against Mexico, we will lose the momentum and the winning mentality.”
Victories over China and Colombia made Nigeria one of the countries to reach the last eight with one match to spare, joining fellow African flag-bearers Ghana, Italy, Venezuela, Japan and Mexico.
“Once you learn to win, you don’t rest on your oars. No hostage-taking. That was the mentality that took the Golden Eaglets to
the world title in the United Arab Emirates last year and I know it will serve you girls well here in Costa Rica,” added Maigari.
Nigeria take on Mexico on Sunday with one eye on their quarter final clash with the winner of Group C, scheduled for Thursday.
Pa Ojidoh goes home in blaze of glory…
The sleepy, serene community of Illah in Oshimili Local Government Area of Delta State rocked like never before on Friday with the
colourful burial of renowned referee and administrator, Ogbuenyi Pa John Chukwumah Ojidoh, who died on February 3.
Venue was the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in the community, which also gave the world Mr. Stephen Okechukwu Keshi
(CON), a former Captain of the Super Eagles and currently Head Coach of the Senior National Team.
The church overflowed with top government functionaries, sports administrators, political heavyweights, referees from the Delta State
chapter of the Nigeria Referees Association, as well as political mobilisers and galvanisers in their scores.
A member of the NFF Executive Committee, Chief Effiong Johnson represented the NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, who is away in Costa Rica for the on-going FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and there were also Mr. Ademola Olajire (Assistant Director, Communications) and Dr. Christian Emeruwa (special assistant to the General Secretary).
After the 105-minute church service, the body was moved to the family compound for interment, as the world bid final bye to one of the most astute and passionate football administrators of our time.
Also at the event were political heavyweight Mrs Josephine Anenih, members of the Delta State cabinet, Chairman of the League Management Company, Hon. Nduka Irabor, former NFF General Secretary Ambassador Fanny Amun, top officials of the Delta State Sports Commission including the chairman, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, PDP top shots and in-law and family friends of the late Pa Ojidoh, led by media mogul, Mr. Ted Iwere.
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