Golden Eaglets' officials slam critics

Golden Eaglets' officials have nothing but scathing remarks for those
accusing them of favouritism in selecting players, even as the
screening of players finally drag to a conclusive end this weekend.
Head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke who in the course of the exercise ,
'chased away' two close relations for lacking the desired football
qualities  said he was ready to defend the ethics of his profession,
saying he would be the last person  to compromise his hard-earned
reputation.
"It is easy for people to accuse me of favouritism but I'm guided by
conscience and the fear of God in picking players," Amuneke said in
his characteristic blunt manner." I didn't bribe my way throughout my
career as a footballer and why for heaven's sake would I be asking
these young players to pay before they can be considered."
Similarly, no-nonsense Golden Eaglets' coordinator, Prince Udofia said
he was not disturbed by the pockets of criticism by persons who want
to force their wards on the technical crew.
"I think some of these criticisms are in bad faith because the
coaching crew have been transparent enough," Udofia said."It is a
shame that those who cannot influence the crew are coming up with all
these funny stories."
One of the highlights of the screening exercise was the dramatic
turning away of two players closely related to Amuneke as the former
African Footballer of the Year said he cannot sacrifice merit on the
altar  of mediocrity.
"Maybe some people are not comfortable with my style because I say
things the way I see it," Amuneke further said." I have had cause to
send away guys who are closely related to me because they don't have
what to offer; so what is the noise that all about?"
 
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY
Egypt FA confirms arrival of U-17 team
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has confirmed that their
Under-17 National Team would arrive Abuja on May 26 for a two-match
friendly against their Nigerian counterparts-the Golden Eaglets.
In a correspondence with Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), EFA's
executive manager, Sarwat Swelam, informed that their contingent of 33
persons made up of 25 players and eight officials would touch down at
Abuja International Airport aboard Egypt Air Number 877.
While the friendly matches against the Golden Eaglets would take place
on May 28 and 30, the Egyptian contingent are due back in Cairo on May
31.Thereafter, the Coach Emmanuel Amuneke-tutored Golden Eaglets are
also expected in Cairo early July for a two-match friendly against
their Egyptian counterparts.
The NFF-organised series of friendly matches is geared towards
preparing the Golden Eaglets for their 2015 CAN Under-17 qualifier
against the winner of the first round match between Burundi and Congo.
The Golden Eaglets on account of their performance in 2013 as the
continent's second best team and world champions for a record fourth
time, were drawn bye into the second round by Confederation of African
Football (CAF).