Eaglets can beat Mexico again – Eguma, others

Stanley Eguma

Some Nigerian coaches and fans alike have continued to hail the qualification of the Golden Eaglets for the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, holding in the United Arab Emirates.

The Eaglets defeated their Swedish counterparts 3-0, in a match the Nigerians clearly dominated. The fans, who were no doubt elated at the team’s inspiring performance, were particularly happy at the humbling of the Swedes – a team that had tried to unsettle the national team at the group stages of the competition.

The Eaglets fought three times from behind to level scores at 3-3 with the Swedes at the group stage.

Some of the fans said they would postpone their victory celebration “until the last huddle”, an apparent reference to the final match on Nov. 8.

The Dolphins of Port Harcourt Manager, Stanley Eguma, said the Eaglets showed character and zeal to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria in Port Harcourt that the 3-0 victory over Sweden showed that the Eaglets could be world champions.

He said, “The Eaglets have really kept a clean slate. They have shown that they can be world champions and I commend their bravery.

“Ordinarily, a team that lacks character will approach this match with fear, but having been threatened by Sweden during their past meeting, the Eaglets came out with a full determination to overwhelm them.

“If you look at the competition statistically, Nigeria has scored more than a goal per match. It shows that we have the fireworks up front, to be able to lift the trophy.”

Eguma urged the Eaglets to come out more determined in the final match against Mexico, a team he said had shown they were good, because after losing their opening match 1-6, they were able to bounce back to qualify for the final.

“After the first loss to the Eaglets, they re-organised and came back in the tournament. It shows they are a good side.”

A Port Harcourt-based soccer fan, Kenneth Nnadi, said the Eaglets that humbled the Swedes were obviously the improved Eaglets.

A footballer, Bethel Ugonna, with a feeder team in Port Harcourt, urged the Eaglets to keep working hard, to the glory of the country.

From Akure, the Nigerian Football Supporters Club, Ondo State Chapter, hailed the team for reaching the finals.

Dele Ologbese, Chairman of the association, said that he was certain that the national team would triumph against Mexico, their opponents in the final.