23rd September, 2013
The Golden Eaglets have been tipped as one of the teams to watch out for at the forthcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup to be hosted by UAE between 17 October and 8 November.
This is the view of Coach Tony Adiele, who was among the technical crew that led the Amuneke Academy to win the 2013 U-16 Iber tournament recently in Portugal, where the Nigerian team edged out defending champions, Chivas Guadalajara of Mexico 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation.
By sheer coincidence, the Golden Eaglets would open their World Cup account on 19 October against Mexico, who incidentally is the defending champions of the championship.
Speaking after the Golden Eaglets dispatched Diamond FC of Umuahia 5-1 at the weekend, Adiele said the Nigerians can equally upstage the apple cart of the Mexicans yet again.
“I have no doubt that the Golden Eaglets would be good ambassadors of the country at the Under-17 World Cup in the UAE,” said Tony who featured for domestic clubs including Sharks, Julius Berger and Iwuanyanwu in his heydays. “I’m impressed with what I have seen with the Eaglets. This is an organised team full of determination.”
Adiele said he is confident that the Eaglets are ready to take on the rest of the world.
“One good thing about the Eaglets is that they have a winning mentality and that would help them against any team at the World Cup and I’m sure they would do us proud in Dubai,” he said.
Team Manager of Diamond FC, Mr. Victor Apugo has equally told the Golden Eaglets to gird their loins ahead of the World Cup, adding that the team need the support and prayers of Nigerians.
“What this team need to excel at the World Cup is good luck because the players and the technical crew have really been working hard,” he said. “We need to support them with our prayers because nothing can be achieved without the grace of God.”