Nigeria’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, His Excellency Ambassador Syndoph Paebi Endoni, has urged the Golden Eaglets to play with national pride and secure victory for millions of expectant fans as they prepare for the WAFU-B U17 Championship.
Ambassador Endoni delivered the inspiring message during a dinner reception hosted at the Nigerian Embassy in Ouagadougou on Friday evening in honour of the team and its officials
Sharing his sports background as a former basketball player and founder of Royal Hoopers (now Rivers Hoopers), Ambassador Endoni reminded the players of the privilege and responsibility that comes with wearing the national colors.
”I welcome you to Nigeria House in Ouagadougou. Millions of young footballers dream of this opportunity, but you are the ones chosen to represent our great nation,” Ambassador Endoni said. “I charge you to fly Nigeria’s flag higher and higher. Win for us, and win for the millions of football-loving Nigerians across the globe.”
He emphasized resilience and focus on the pitch, highlighting sports as a powerful tool for youth empowerment and nation-building:
”You may make mistakes on the pitch, but correct them swiftly and stay focused on winning every match. We are a blessed, united, and strong nation. Football plays a vital role in directing young minds toward positive pursuits, and we must set that example right from this grassroot level.”
Looking ahead to Nigeria’s opening fixture against the Niger Republic on Wednesday, the Ambassador promised the Golden Eaglets that they would not be playing without home-like backing. He pledged to mobilize the thousands of Nigerians residing in Burkina Faso to fill the stadium and cheer the squad throughout the tournament.
”The Nigerian community here is huge, and I assure you they will turn out in full force to support the team in all its matches,” Ambassador Endoni concluded.
