Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has congratulated Nigeria on the victory of the Golden Eaglets in the FIFA under-17 World football championship and Delta-born Wellington Jighere on winning World Scrabble Championship.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, Senator Okowa, commended the doggedness of the Emmanuel Amunike-led team, for their unanimity of purpose and team spirit; which ensured that the highly motivated Malian side, did not deny us a trophy, that could safely be described as ‘the Nigerian franchise’.
“The boys showed class in all the departments of the game and this was evidenced by the individual trophies for ‘highest goal scorer’ and ‘most valuable player’, all of which were clinched by Nigerians”, he noted.
Governor Okowa enjoined the Amaju Pinnick-led Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to ensure that a programme which will keep the boys together is put in place to serve as a feeder for the senior national team. “It is my hope and aspirations that as a country we will continue to monitor these boys so that they can translate their under-17 experience into the senior National Team” he added.
He noted that Nigeria’s record in the under-17 football competition was a testimony to the capacity of Nigerian youths to deliver on target, if properly guided. He charged Nigerian youths to be committed to their goals and avoid acts capable of derailing their God-given potentials.
The Governor said he was proud of the achievements of the young eaglets who brought honour once again to Nigeria and Africa. “I am happy that two African sides played in the finals in Chile and more excited that the Nigerian lads emerged Champions to retain their crown for the 5th time.”
Governor Okowa has also congratulated the Nigeria under-20 female football team Falconets for qualifying for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup to be held in Papua New Guinea in 2016.
Okowa saluted the resilient spirit of the Falconets after defeating hosts, South Africa 1-0 on Sunday, and winning 3-1 on aggregate.
Okowa congratulated also, Wellington Jighere for emerging the new Scrabble champion of the world after defeating Lewis Mackay 4-0 in a Best of Seven series in Perth, Australia. He noted that it was the first time an African will win the world best scrabble player and that he is excited that a Deltan is bringing that honour to Africa.
“I congratulate you for this great honour that you have done for Nigeria and Africa. We are proud of you and the wonderful achievement of Team Nigeria in emerging the best team of the tournament” he said.