Ugbade Praises Buhari Over Promise To Redeem 30-Year Pledge

By James Agberebi:

Captain of the victorious 1985 Golden Eaglets squad Nduka Ugbade has expressed his gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari who announced that he will redeem the pledge he made to the team after they lifted the maiden edition of the U-17 World Cup in China.

In a statement released by Garba Shehu, senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, President Buhari said the directive he gave to the state government back then was not complied with.

He said that only the promises made by the Federal Government which was sponsoring the players on a trip to watch the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico was fulfilled.

Speaking with Completesportsnigeria.com, an elated Ugbade said he got himself injured while jumping for joy on hearing the news.

"We thank God that President Muhammadu Buhari has shown us the true spirit to which he is made of. I have no word to describe how I feel. I injured my calf the moment I heard the news that the promise made 30 years ago will be redeemed," Ugbade said.

"I was talking about the issue in one radio station in Asaba when just 30 minutes later I was called that this is what has happened, I was so surprised.

"All over the world people have been calling, some of my team-mates living in America have been calling. Even the family of the late Kingsley Aikhiovbare also called to confirm if is true, and I told them yes it is true. It is unbelievable and a wonderful thing.

" So I will like to say a big thank you to Mr President for remembering us, God will continue to bless him and strengthen his hand for what he wants to do in Nigeria," Ugbade told Completesportsnigeria.com.