Eaglets Target WAFU Cup Bronze

Prince Udofia, Golden Eaglets’ Coordinator, believes the Nigerian youngsters would shake off Friday’s semi-final loss to Benin when they meet Togo in the third-place match at the WAFU B Under-17 Tournament in Togo on Sunday.

The game would be played at 4:00pm Nigerian time at the Stade Municipal before the final between Benin and Mali.

Reflecting Eaglets’ shock penalty shoot-out loss, Udofia maintained
that it was Nigeria and not Benin that should be meeting Mali in the final but for some questionable officiating.

The Golden Eaglets were the only team that did not lose a game in the group phase as they spanked Mali 2-0 in their Group B double-header and Udofia is confident that the boys would be back and better against Togo.

“I want to believe that our boys would respond well against Togo on Sunday because they felt bad to have lost to Benin in the semi-final,” he said. “They have been advised by Alhaji Yussuf Fresh and Mr. Patrick Pascal; and I think this would spur them against Togo.”

The Golden Eaglets in the meantime, trained on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s match and officials are confident they would be ready for the final assault against hosts, Togo who lost 4-0 in the other semi-final on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has urged the technical crew of the Golden Eaglets to remain steadfast in their bid to build a virile team to qualify the country for the 2015 African Under-17 Championship even as Nigeria seek to defend her 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup title.

Speaking to officials and players, Alhaji Yussuf Fresh, a board member of the NFF said he was satisfied that the team gave their best but for ill luck in the crunch semi-final match.

“I want to tell you from the bottom of my heart that you did well despite
the fact that you didn’t beat Benin,” said Fresh, the leader of delegation to Togo. “At least, this tournament has given you the opportunity to know areas that you need to work on as you prepare the team for the coming African qualifiers.”

He equally advised the players to concentrate on their third-place
match against Mali on Sunday in order to have something to show for their good efforts at the tournament.

“There is still something to play for on Sunday and I want you to give it your best in the third place match. NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari as well as Nigerians would be so glad if you can go home with at least the bronze medal.”

Similarly, former international and Special Assistant to Alhaji Maigari on Technical Matters, Patrick Pascal equally commended the players and officials, advising them to remain calm despite the setback at the WAFU B Tournament.

“My advice to you is to look ahead because you can’t change the result
against Benin. I want to plead with you especially the players not to blame yourselves,” he stated. “Your objective should be how to qualify for the competition in Niger and the World Cup and I believe strongly that you will make it.”