Golden Eaglets star thanks Moses Simon after scoring free kick against Ghana

Golden Eaglets youngster Emmanuel Michael has thanked Super Eagles winger Moses Simon after featuring in the opening game of the 2022 West African Football Union (WAFU) U-17 tournament.

The 16-year-old Emmanuel Michael scored a thunderous free kick for the Golden Eaglets as they recorded a 4-2 victory against the Black Starlets of Ghana in their opening group game of the WAFU tournament played on Saturday, June 11, 2022.

Michael scored the opening goal for the Golden Eaglets and after the game was voted Man of the Match by the WAFU committee.

After his amazing performance Michael thanked Nantes forward Moses Simon for giving him the boots he wore in the game.

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The 16-year-old Michael is a player with Simon's Simoiben football Academy.

Michael plays as left-back for the Golden Eaglets but was a midfielder before joining camp under Nduka Ugbade.

Speaking after the game Michael dedicated the Man of the Match award to Simon and also revealed that the Super Eagles star gave him the boot that he used at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.

He said, "This award is dedicated to my mentor Moses Simon, he is the brain behind my current status and he gave me a chance to live my dreams by enrolling me into his academy.

"The boot I used in playing against Ghana was the boot Moses Simon used at AFCON in Cameroon.

"He gave me the boot and I decided not to use the boot till God saw me through the U-17 screening and I used it in the first match, which I played well", Michael added.

"I am glad I scored the first goal at the WAFU tourney and that was what we needed to grow our confidence for the rest of the game against Ghana."

Simoiben football Academy congratulated Michael on his performance for the Golden Eaglets against Ghana.

The message on their Twitter account said, "Congratulations to Michael Emmanuel for winning the man of the match award in Nigeria U17 4-2 win over Ghana. We are proud of you and the team."

Simon also acknowledged Michael through a message on his Twitter account that said, "Congratulations mike and the team."

Michael is expected to return to action for the Golden Eaglets when they take on the Baby Hawks of Togo in their last game of the group stages scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 14, 2022.