In his New Year message to the Golden Eaglets on Thursday, Emmanuel Amuneke, Head coach of Nigeria’s U-17 team, has categorically stated that nothing but hard work would bolster the team’s campaign at the forthcoming continental cadet Championship to be hosted in Niger between February 1 and March 1st.

Amunike

Addressing the players at the NFF/FIFA Goal Project in Abuja, the 1994 African Footballer of the Year said the players must be ready to work harder since much is expected from them at Niger 2015. Golden Eaglets, a record four-time FIFA U-17 World Cup winner, are one of the team’s to beat in Niamey but Amuneke has reminded the lads that they would not be champions in Niger on a platter of gold.

“First and foremost, we thank God for allowing us to see 2015 and we know he would strengthen us but on our own part, we have to do our very best,” explained Amuneke who clocked 44 last week.”Much is expected from us and we must not shy away from telling you that only hard work would see us through in Niger.

”God is not partial and he is not going to hear only own prayers but if we work hard and pray, he would crown our efforts .

“We are not going to pet you here and in the coming days, we are going to push you to the limit in order to achieve our objectives.”