Jonathan, Mark, Abdullahi, Imoke hail Eaglets President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday congratulated the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria on their qualification for the final match of the ongoing FIFA Under-17 World Soccer Championship in the United Arab Emirates. According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President said he joined other very proud and happy Nigerians within and outside the country in applauding the Eaglets’ enthralling 3-0 victory over their Swedish opponents in the Semi-Final match. As the Eaglets prepare for the final match against the Mexican team, Jonathan urged them not to be over-confident or take victory for granted. “The President assures the Eaglets and their handlers of the continued prayers, best wishes and fullest support of the Federal Government and all Nigerians as they strive to achieve ultimate victory in the competition. He looks forward to receiving them at the Presidential Villa when they triumphantly return to Nigeria,” the statement read. The Senate President, David Mark commended them “for doing the nation proud.” Mark in a congratulatory message to the players and officials in Dubai after they defeated Sweden said, “The Nigerian lads gave a good account of themselves and made the nation the beautiful bride.” Mark reminded them that the nation was solidly behind them in prayers and assured them that the government will do the needful in terms of their welfare and upkeep. He added that the National Assembly on its part “would continue to make adequate budgetary allocation for sports to flourish in Nigeria.” He asked the Eaglets and their officials to go all out to win the championship. The Minister of Sports Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has also congratulated the team for qualifying for the final. The Minister who was at the stadium in the UAE to personally support the team said he was impressed by the performance put up by the boys. He said, “I was really impressed by the performance of the boys. It was a delight to watch them beat Sweden; this is certainly Nigeria’s senior team of the future.” “One amazing quality these boys have is that they can raise their game when the situation demands it. This is no ordinary Nigerian side. The team is exceptional and their expected victory would be a good end-of-the-year gift to President Jonathan for his support and abiding commitment to the sports sector.” Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke also hailed them. Imoke is particularly thrilled that the boys of coach Manu Garba fulfilled the first part of their promise to him during the qualifiers for the championships.