By Ikemefuna Asika
As part of efforts to spur the Nigeria’s Under 20 national team, Flying Eagles, to book an AFCON 2025 ticket at the expense of Niger Republic on Saturday, 26th October 2024, well-meaning Nigerians from all walks of life have donated cash towards motivating the squad to victory.
According to the release from the NFF Communications Department today, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin is leading the motivation as he has rewarded the team’s effort so far with the sum of N2 million.
Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, who graduated through the Flying Eagles’ rank, came up big and showered his blessings on the team with the sum of N5 million.
Chairman of Crystal Sapphire Ltd, Frank Peters doled out the sum of N1.5 million with a pledge of another huge sum if the team defeats their Nigerien counterparts in Saturday’s semi-final.
Also, a member of the football family, Mr. Victor Apugo has gifted the team N1 million with a promise to add another N2 million if the Flying Eagles fly past Niger Republic in the semi-final tie.
Meanwhile, Switzerland-based Nigerian coach, Adedeji Adeyemi Anthony has redeemed his pledge of N1 million to the team for the victory over the Young Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire. Mavlon FC Chairman, Barrister Kenneth Agadugba has deposited the sum of N2 million with a pledge to make it N12 million if the team soars high to the grand finale of the tournament.
Earlier on Thursday, a senior member of Staff of the Nigeria Football Federation dished out the sum of N1 million, while another member of the football fraternity who does not want his name in print has given the seven-time African champions the sum of N1.5 million.
The Flying Eagles who are the defending champions of the tournament are billed to take on Niger Republic in the semi-final on Saturday at 2pm Nigeria time. Victory will earn them a place in the final, as well as a ticket to next year’s AFCON U20 finals.
