BY: JUDE OPARA, ABUJA

Ahead of the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup to be hosted by Chile in September, the Katsina State government has offered to camp the Golden Eaglets in the state.

Special Adviser to the Katsina State governor on Sports, Alhaji Aminu Kurfi who revealed this to journalists after submitting the formal request to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said the gesture was in line with the resolution of the government to partner with the federation and  to develop sports in the state.

Eaglets

Kurfi who is also the vice president of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) said if the team was camped in the state, it will also be a source of motivation for the teeming youths who may get interested in the game instead of indulging in antisocial behaviours.

“We want to host the camping of the Golden Eaglets in Katsina as a way of encouraging our teeming youths. You know the strength of football in moulding the youths. Most of them who would have taken to antisocial behaviours may get hooked with football. Everybody knows that sports can change the lives of many people who take to it.

“So I have come here to submit our request and hopefully the team will be training at our ultra-modern 15,000 capacity Stadium located at the heart of the city. We believe that as defending champions, the Golden Eaglets needs the best of preparations for the tournament. We want to partner with the NFF and be part of the coming glory.”

The Coach Emmanuel Amuneke tutored side who are currently camping in Abuja will play in group A against the United States of America, Croatia and host nation Chile.