By Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria’s Under 15 team, the Future Eagles have arrived Abuja from Japan where they spent one-week playing in the Dream Cup Invitational, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report .

The lads tutored by renowned grassroots coach, Haruna Ilerika Usman finished third in the 2019 International Dream Cup in Japan with three points, scoring five goals.

The played against host, Japan, Mexico and Romania.

Speaking in an interview after the team touched down the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, coach Ilerika said the team’s participation in the tournament is a good plus for the team and thanked the NFF for their youth programmes adding that the future of Nigeria football is bright with such youthful programmes.

“We give God glory for safe journey to and fro. The tournament was wonderful.

“Winning the trophy was not the priority but we gave our all. The most important thing is that players have gotten exposure at this stage and this is laudable.

“We cannot thank the NFF enough for this opportunity. Their developmental programme is a guarantee for the future of our football. With this exposure the team had, when they progress to Under 17, they will easily integrate and the shock in visiting foreign country for the first time will not be there.

“As I said, we gave our best to win the championship but that was not to be. However, I am proud of the children. It is a gradual process and they will get there, ” he told our correspondent.