President Muhammadu Buhari has led tributes to the country’s Golden Eaglets for their victory, in the wee hours of today, over Mali in the final match of th 2915 Under-17 FIFA World Cup in Chile.

“President Buhari applauds the exemplary zeal, determination, commitment, hard work, patriotism and soccer artistry which the youthful Golden Eaglets put on display throughout the tournament to win the championship for a record fifth time,” his spokesman Femi Adesina said in a statement in Abuja.

He added: “The President notes with delight that the Golden Eaglets not only won the coveted Under-17 FIFA World Cup, but they are also bringing home highly-valued individual awards such as the Golden Boot won by Victor Osimhen for being the tournament’s highest goal scorer and the Golden Ball, won by the team captain, Kelechi Nwakali, for being the best player.

“President Buhari believes that by their triumph in Chile, the Golden Eaglets have shown the world that the indomitable Nigerian spirit is alive and waxing stronger.

“For the President, the Golden Eaglets’ latest victory on the global stage is an affirmation of the significant progress Nigeria is now making towards positively redefining and rediscovering its potential for greatness in the comity of nations.

“President Buhari trusts that if all other Nigerians imbibe and exhibit the doggedness, determination and patriotism displayed by their youthful compatriots in Chile, Nigeria will surely make faster progress towards becoming the strong, united, peaceful, secure and prosperous nation envisioned by its people.

“The President joins other proud Nigerians in awaiting the Golden Eaglets triumphant return to a heroes’ welcome from a joyous and grateful nation.”

•Photo shows the Golden Eaglets celebrating their World Cup triumph . . . this morning in Chile.

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