By Akanimo Kufre
The Cross River State government through its commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Asu Okang has motivated the youthful players of Flying Eagles with juicy hotel incentives at the luxurious Tinapa Lakeside Hotel in Calabar.
The 36 year old commissioner inspired the national U20 players with enticement such as increased meal ration, slash in laundry cost, trip to Water Park and special dinner after their victory on Sunday match.
“His Excellency, Gov. Ben Ayade has declared the gate free so we are expecting fans to fill stadium to capacity. I am also doing everything possible to make sure the governor is there to watch the match. I know for sure he has a bigger financial reward for you as winning bonuses.”
The commissioner had earlier sorted out minor accommodation hassle the team encounter and explained that occurrences was due to change in the arrival time of the flying Eagles. The state government had prepared to host the team by evening of last Monday while the U20 team arrived early afternoon of same day. Also the match date was expected to be on Saturday against Sunday 20th May 2018 now confirmed.
In his response, coach Abdul Maikaba applauded the young commissioner for motivating the team. “Gov. Ben Ayade did well  to choose this young person as youth commissioner. He has really inspires us.
The stand in captain valentine  Ozornwafor expressed gratitude to the commissioner for his visit and praise him and Cross River state government in their effort to ensure the team is well taken care of. “we are thankful for your visit and we promised not to let down Nigerians and cross river state. we assure  you victory on Sunday.
“I love to inspire young people because I am young person as well . all we needed to do was to assure them and raised their confidence, make them feel good and technically roboust to win Sunday game. The governor has made the gate open and we have made comprehensive publicity and mobilisation to ensure we have the full capacity of the stadium  to cheer the team to victory.”
In his prediction, the Honourable commissioner told The New Diplomat that he is expecting 3-0 win or more for Nigeria. “we are not taking a draw, we are not taking a loss. We are going to win nothing less than 3-0.”
Meanwhile, two of the youngster from Cross River State , Effiom Maxwell and Moses Eneji are hopefuls that Calabar fans will look up to as well as Akwa United Aniekeme Asuquo ‘Perrere’ and Israeli side shot stopper, Akam Udo. Udo plays for Bnei-Sakhnin of Israel.
