The atmosphere in the Golden Eaglets’ locker room soon after they beat Mexico 4-2 on Thursday at the Estadio Municipal Ester Roa was ecstatic and on hand to share the momentous occasion was NFF President Amaju Pinnick, who sang and danced but was quick to refocus the history-chasing coach Emmanuel Amuneke-led side.
“Today, you convinced Nigerians you are the best and I want to thank you on behalf of Nigerians, especially, President Muhammadu Buhari, for playing your hearts out and truly demonstrating the never-say-die Nigerian spirit,” he said amidst intermittent thunderous ovation.
“I’m extremely happy for Emmanuel (Amuneke) because he, along with other officials, have demonstrated that they are good fathers to you all and I’m glad that I was able to withstand the pressure to sack him when the team failed to win the African Championship trophy in Niger Republic.
“Here in Chile, Emmanuel has shamed all the doubting Thomases but I don’t want you to forget that the most important match is against Mali on Sunday. This is a life -time opportunity for you to write your names in gold and you know how appreciative our country can be to winners and heroes. Sunday is the day to write your names into the history books,” Pinnick said.
