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New African U-20 champions, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria were
yesterday treated to a heroic welcome on arrival at the Murtala Muhammed
International Airport in Lagos.

The Nigerians, who defeated Cameroun 3-2 on Sunday to clinch the
African Youth Championship (AYC) title, were led into the country by the
President of the Nigeria Football Federation Aminu Maigari, and welcomed by
hundreds of singing fans and eager journalists who came to catch a glimpse of
the new set of football heroes.

Coach of the team, John Obuh thanked everybody that supported
the team en-route to being crowned champions of Africa for a record sixth time.
.

“It wasn’t an easy tournament no doubt but we thank God we came
out victorious,” he said. “We will continue to work hard and improve the team.”

Through the streets

Unlike the Super Falcons, who on their return to the country
after their victorious conquest at last year’s African Women’s Championships
were conveyed to their hotel aboard a truck not befitting of champions, the
Flying Eagles were placed in an open-roof bus made available by the Lagos State
government.

The team also displayed the Africa Youth Championship trophy as
they were driven through the streets of Lagos From the departure lounge of the
airport the players were taken to the presidential lounge of the airport where
the sports minister Taoheed Adedoja was on hand to receive the team.

Adedoja told the victorious team that President Goodluck
Jonathan was very pleased with their performance in South Africa and had given
his word that they will get a befitting reception from the presidency.

“The trophy you won is a sign of hard work and team work, I will
call this trophy Nigeria’s Goodluck Cup,” Adedoja said.

Adedoja urged the team not to relent on their achievement as
much would be expected from them at the World Championships in Colombia later
in the year.

“We are happy that you are the new African champions but we will
pray that you will also go ahead to rule the world,” he added.

The players and officials of the Flying Eagles were later
treated to a dinner at the Sheraton Hotels in Ikeja.

The Flying Eagles’ victory gave Nigeria its first AYC title since 2005.