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Statement from Emmanuel Adukwu on the Future Eagles

I would like to address the speculation in the media over the last couple of hours in relation to the hosting and camping of Nigeria’s U15 male football team (Future Eagles). As I have stated before, I have always taken initiatives and decisions to ensure the growth of Nigerian football, primarily through promoting youth football in the country.

Having hosted U13 and U15 footballing competitions across Plateau State in the last five years, some of them which had the Head Coach and backroom staff come around to scout for players, I felt it necessary to extend the gesture to the Nigeria Football Federation to host the team in Plateau state in order to help mitigate the burden of the federation, considering we already have the structures and framework that would help the team coaches of the Future Eagles work seamlessly.

After reaching out to the First Vice President of the NFF, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi and the Chairman of the Technical Committee and the National Coordinator of the team in the North, Ahmed Yusuf, both noted it was a good idea and set about plans in motion to see it come into fruition.

However, with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the calendar of NFF and that of the children in school, it has been ultimately difficult for the Federation led by Amaju Pinnick to ensure these plans get right on track as soon as possible.

I have reassurances that once things stabilize, the Football Federation are totally committed to having the Future Eagles camp in an environment that will best suit the coaches’ training plans and put the players on the right step toward building a career for themselves through the round leather game.

Our commitment at Mees Palace Football Academy to youth development in tandem with the Nigeria Football Federation has not wavered and we will continue to partner with the Federation in the area of youth development.