Amuneke Gets Surprise Birthday Shindig

Emmanuel Amuneke, Golden Eaglets’ Head coach, got a surprise ’44 balloon salute’ to mark his 44th anniversary on Thursday after the team’s early morning session at the NFF/FIFA Goal Project in Abuja.

“This is a coup because all I wanted today was to train in continuation of our preparation towards Niger 2015,” a shell-shocked Amuneke said after NFF’s Assistant Director (Technical), Coach Siji Lagunju led the players in a fine rendition of the famous birthday song:’ he’s a good jolly fellow.'”I’m really humbled by your show of love to me on this special day.”

With the morning activities rounded off, Team Amuneke mostly made up of Golden Eaglets officials beat Golden Eaglets’ possible 4-1 in a novelty match full of fun and drama.

Coach Siji Lagunju leads the Golden Eaglets cheer for Amuneke

Tayo Egbaiyelo (MON), 2013 World Cup-winning secretary, got the curtain raiser for Team Amuneke when he converted from the spot kick barely 10 minutes into the 40-minute encounter. Three minutes later, Golden Eaglets’ medical official, Dr. Deji Olarinoye (MON)-famously called NFA,-got the second goal courtesy of another spot Kick that beat a badly positioned goalkeeper Clinton Orji.

Meanwhile, winger Ndu Chinedu gave the opposing side hope few minutes to the end of the first half with a well-taken goal as goalkeeper Amos Benjamin watched as the ball sailed into the net.

In the second half, birthday boy and former Barcelona winger, Amuneke crowned an impressive day with his team’s third goal albeit from the spot yet again. Golden Eaglets’ defender, Bamidele Ayodeji who was
loaned to Team Amuneke from the Eaglets’ probable scored the last goal to the delight of everyone.

“Today would remain a special day in our lives because it marked the birthday of coach Amuneke when we are in camp,” said defender Lukman Halilu after the players were feted with food and soft drinks .” Coach
Amuneke is an inspiration to all of us because he is a no-nonsense person who wants only the best for us and by the grace of God, we shall do our best in Niger 2015 to give him a present for this special
day,” he stated.

Amuneke in the middle with his wards

Lagunju, meanwhile, heaped praises on Amuneke for his sterling qualities both as a former player and coach: “I always knew that Emmanuel would be a great player because he has remained disciplined and humble since I first met him in 1991.Though he would speak his mind when he feels strongly about any issue, he has remained level headed over the years.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank all the technical crew and back room staff for the unity in the U-17 and may God bless your efforts in Niger and Chile in 2015,”said Lagunju who star for Leventis United and Iwuayanwu Nationale in his heyday.

Eaglets Return To Full Training In Calabar

Nigeria’s Under-17 team, Golden Eaglets, resumed training at their base in Calabar on Tuesday barely hours after they returned to the country from Libreville where they lost 2-1 to their Gabonese counterparts.

The contingent, who actually left Libreville on Monday for Lome aboard ASKY Airline, breezed into Lagos in the night through neighbouring Cotonou but finally arrived Calabar midday on Tuesday aboard Arik Airlines to begin preparations in earnest for the finale qualifier against Gabon next week.

Head Coach Emmanuel Amuneke said it was important to resume training immediately in view of the enormity of the task ahead even as he enjoined the players to give their utmost best in the days.

Golden Eaglets with some officials at Dreamland Park

“I want you to put behind all that happened in Libreville because that is gone,” Amuneke said.”I want you to know that we are condemned to win our match here and you must be focused on everything we are going to do from now.

“What we demand of you is hard work and nothing but hard work; because we want you to show Gabon that you don’t need to be aided by referee to win matches.

“We believe in you and we want you to apply yourself because we are going to undergo strenuous work in the coming days as we build up towards the match,” he warned.

Meanwhile, seven players who failed to make 18-man list to Libreville have vowed to pull their socks in order to be part of the second leg encounter against Gabon.

Dr. Sam Iheanacho with the Golden Eaglets shortly before the team’s training session

“We are happy that our teammates and other officials are safely backed in Calabar but the good thing is that we too have been working even while they were away in Gabon,” stated defensive midfielder, Henry Okebugwu.”We would keep working hard and pay serious attention to the
training programs because we know the coaches would only select the best against Gabon.”

Golden Eaglets tipped for glory…as team settles down in Calabar

Chief Patrick Iloekwe Ndubuisi, the soccer-loving owner of CJ Planet Hotel in Abuja, has tipped the Golden Eaglets to excel under Coach Emmanuel Amuneke.

Ndubuisi who quartered the Under-17 national team for sometime, said as much during a send forth before the team’s departure for Calabar at the weekend.

He said he was impressed with the camaraderie between officials and players as well as their overall conduct and attitude during their stay at his hospice.

“We have been privileged to host others in the past but your team is special and we are impressed with the manner you conducted yourself here,” said the ebullient elderly man.”.”

He explained further that the team has started on a good note with the unity of purpose within the ranks, praying they should continue with the same spirit wherever they may be.

Coach Emeka Amadi, the goalkeepers’ trainer, thanked the management and staff of CJ Planet Hotel on behalf of the team for going the extra mile in organising a party, promising that the team would do everything to make Nigerians proud.

Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets’ train safely Calabar on Saturday with players and officials gradually settling down at their Princeville Hotel Camp.

“It is great to be here again and we are ready to work very hard,” said Captain Kelechi Nwakali who had a brief stint with the class of 2013.” Coming here would help our concentration and we want to thank the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Cross River State government for this opportunity.”

The Golden Eaglets in the meantime, have started exploring their new environment as the players enjoyed a one-hour swimming session under strict supervision of the technical crew on Sunday while training resumes on Monday at the University of Calabar’s Abraham Ordia Stadium.

Swimming session by the Golden Eaglets