The Golden Eaglets celebrate with the Pepsi U17 International trophy

The recently assembled U17 Golden Eaglets of Nigeria underlined their determination to successfully defend the FIFA U17 World Cup in Nigeria next year.

Under coach Alphonsus Dike, they emerged champions of the 6th Pepsi U17 International Tournament held at the Abeokuta Grammar School over the period 18-26th July ’08.

Having played out draws against two visiting teams [Liberty Professionals of Ghana and Olympic Sports of Cote d’Ivoire] they found their team-work with an audacious 5-0 victory over the Pepsi Starlets in their last group match.

In the final against Academy of Pro Soccer, Ibadan, the U17 national team secured a penalty which was spilled by Njoku Chima, in goal for Pro Soccer, leaving Mani Mohammed, jersey no.10 for the Eaglets and former Pepsi Football Academy student with the simple task of slamming the rebound into the net. This proved to be the only and winning goal of the match.

“I am very happy to have been given the opportunity, by Pepsi, of participating in their International Tournament just one week after assembling this team.
Winning the Pepsi International Trophy portends a good omen for us.
We are indeed very grateful to Pepsi.” Dike said.

Also speaking, both Iain Nelson [PFA Consultant] and Kasimawo Laloko [PFA Director] confirmed that given the status of Pepsi and the Pepsi Football Academy within football development in Nigeria, it was a duty to contribute to the preparations of the national U17 team, especially as the nation will be hosting the World in 2009.

August 2008

Festus Ajah of the Academy of Pro Soccer, Ibadan receives his MVP trophy from Iain Nelson

Linus Adams, Golden Eaglets captain is presented with the Pepsi International Trophy by Iain Nelson

Noble Anasoh, Golden Eaglet and former Pepsi Football Academy student is presented with his MVP trophy by Iain Nelson , Pepsi Football Academy consultant.