UNDER-17 WORLD CUP...THE NEXT MATCH AGAINST MEXICO COULD BE ROPE-A-DOPE FOR EAGLETS!... WHAT MUST THEY DO TO REMAIN GOLDEN?

Eaglets’ll be turbo-charged against Mexico

Coach Manu Garba said yesterday  that the Golden Eaglets will be turbo-charged to defeat Mexico in Friday’s final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Abu Dhabi.

Garba last night saw his charges steam-roll their way to the final of the tournament, with a comprehensive 3-0 bashing of Sweden at the Rashid Stadium in Dubau and speaking at the post-match conference, a jubilant coach said he was in seventh heaven to see his troops damage their Scandinavians, who he praised for reaching this stage of the tournament.



DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – NOVEMBER 05: Head coach Manu Garba celebrates after the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 Semi Final match between Sweden and Nigeria at Al Rashid Stadium on November 5, 2013 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by FIFA)

While also hailing Mexico for reaching the final after suffering a 6-0 opening defeat against the Eaglets, Garba said he was confident that his troops would make it a double against the North American side, who have ousted Brazil and Uruguay to reach the summit.

“Sweden tried  but we showed our quality. I commend my players for achieving this victory and hope for a similar performance against Mexico, who I commend for getting to this stage.

They have done well and earned their place in the final but my team are turbo-charged for
the final.

“We have come this far, playing well and it is time for God to crown our efforts with the Cup on Friday.”

VANGUARD

BECAREFUL,GOLDEN EAGLETS.WHICH GOAL FEAST? NO SIGN SWEDEN WILL BE EASY PREY TODAY...KICK-OFF AT 5PM.

We’ll swoop on Sweden – Eaglets

Golden Eaglets have promised Nigerians a goals feast in today’s FIFA U-17 World Cup semifinal match with Sweden at Rashid Stadium, Dubai.

Eaglets have scored 20 goals in five matches, the most by any team in the tournament holding in the United Arab Emirates and as they gear up for another match with the Swedes, who they   held to a 3-3 thrilling draw at the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, the

Nigerians, who could only manage to score twice in Saturday’s quarter final win against Uruguay, say goals will come aplenty against the Scandinavians.



SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – NOVEMBER 02: Players of Nigeria pose for a team photo prior to the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 Quarter Final match between Uruguay and Nigeria at Sharjah Stadium on November 2, 2013 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by FIFA)

“I am confident the team will score many goals against Sweden”, said midfielder Akinjide Idowu, ruled out of today’s game because of two yellow cards. “Even though I am not going to play, I am very confident that the other players will do well.

Sweden are good but we want this win more and are ready to go the extra mile to achieve our target”,added Idowu at the pre-match conference.

Also speaking, Coach Manu Garba said the match will be played with all seriousness, noting that “we can’t afford to go back to Nigeria empty handed without the cup. These boys will win tomorrow (today) and go on to win the Cup.

It’s the Cup or nothing for us. The game will be tight but the players are ready to score many goals against Sweden.
“I repeat that it is the Cup or nothing for us. We have come a long way and can’t afford to lose now. We will beat Sweden”, added Garba, who conceded that Sweden are good in the air.

“They have tall players, which make them good with aerial balls but I have the antidote to cut off their crosses”