Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) secretary-general, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi has challenged players of the youth national team, Flying Eagles to imbibe the virtues of discipline and dedication as they prepare for the upcoming WAFU U20 Cup of Nations in Lome, Togo and next year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Niger Republic, sports247.ng reports.
Speaking during a visit to the team at their camp in Abuja, Sanusi, who cited the experience he garnered as a professional teacher, also urged the players to be humble and committed at all times in order to drink from the fountain of knowledge and wisdom of their coaches.
The seven time African junior champions are presently shaping up for the WAFU tournament that is billed to hold from 6th to 16th December, as a preparatory competition for the 2019 African Youth Nations Cup in Niger Republic from 2nd to 17th February 2019.
To qualify for the finals in Niger Republic, Coach Paul Aigbogun’s side defeated Guinea Bissau in the first round of the qualification series before slaying Mauritania in the final round.
As the team enters the last phase of preparations for WAFU 2018, Sanusi also charged the players to heed the words and teaching of their coaches, and to eschew social vices as they seek an ethical route to fame and fortune.
Sanusi added: “Discipline and dedication are very important values in whatever we do in life. It is not only learning that gets you the certificate.
“For those of us who came from the academia, we know that the certificate that you are given on graduation tells you that you have been found worthy in character and in learning.
“Character is key in whatever we do, and character is developed through your discipline, dedication and commitment to the cause you have chosen.
“The founding father of modern Olympics, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, stated that the most important thing about the Olympics is not in winning, but in participating.
“As a teacher, a licensed coach and an administrator, I care more about your character more than your output on the field.
“At the end of the day, the player with good character is always very different and lasts much longer than the one that lacks good character.
“Be humble, disciplined and dedicated, and you would be surprised how easy you overcome all the hurdles before you.”
