AYC FLOP: Obuh Faces Sack

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Flying Eagles coach John Obuh: Faces sack.

Flying Eagles coach John Obuh: Faces sack.
Flying Eagles coach John Obuh: Faces sack.

There are strong indications that coach John Obuh’s days with the Nigeria’s U-20 team, the Flying Eagles may be numbered.

P.M.NEWS Sports learnt that Obuh may lose his job because of his team’s unimpressive performance at the ongoing Africa Youth Championship, AYC, in Algeria where they failed to defend the title they won at the last tournament in South Africa. The Nigerian team were defeated 0-2 by Egypt in the semi final match played on Tuesday.

A member of the Technical sub-committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Austin Elumelu, while speaking on Brila FM early today hinted that Obuh’s failure to lead the Flying Eagles to the final of this year’s AYC is enough ground to relieve him of his job.

According to Elumelu, part of the contractual agreement coach Obuh signed with the NFF is for him to retain the AYC trophy the Nigerian team won in South Africa in 2011.

“There is pressure everywhere when you lose games in football. We fell short of what we hoped to achieve in Algeria. Now that he has failed to deliver on that front, I think it will not be out of place for us to call him for questioning when the team return from Algeria.”

Former Super Eagles coach, Adegboyega Onigbinde, who is also a member of the NFF’s Technical Committee has said the Flying Eagles should not be written off yet.

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Onigbinde opined that though the team may not be on top of their game in Algeria, more time should be given to the coaching crew to re-examine themselves and make necessary corrections at the World Youth Championship holding in Turkey in June.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Mursi, the President of Egypt, has congratulated the Young Pharaohs for qualifying for the final of the AYC after his country beat the defending champions Nigeria.

President Mursi said on  his official Twitter account: “Youth of Egypt’s future. I congratulate my sons for qualifying for the final match of the African Youth Championship.’’

Second half goals from Mahmoud Abdel-Monem Kahrab propelled Egypt past the Flying Eagles, who will now contest the third place match with Mali on Friday.

The Young Pharaohs appear nailed on favourites to win their fourth AYC crown in Saturday’s confrontation with Ghana.

—Bamidele Olowosagba

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