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Tag: Eaglets

  • FIFA U-17 World Cup: Eaglets, Osimhen make history

    FIFA U-17 World Cup: Eaglets, Osimhen make history

    Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets made history at the FIFA Under 17 World Cup by winning their fifth title with the 2-0 defeat of Mali in yesterday’s final in Chile.

    Apart from winning the trophy for a record five times, the Nigerian team also became the second team to win the championship back to back after Brazil achieved the feat in 1997 and 1999. Eaglet’s gangling striker, Victor Osimhen also became the tournament’s all-time leading goal scorer with 10 goals after scoring the first goal with a well-taken kick against the Malians in the 56th minute. His strike partner, Funsho Bamgboye scored the second goal of the mouth-watering encounter in the 59th minute.

    The Nigerians were the faster off the blocks, winning a penalty kick in the third minute after a Malian defender handled the ball in the vital area. Ebere Osinachi’s kick was well saved by the Malian goalkeeper and a follow up header from Osinachi hit the cross, while another kick by the player was blocked by the Malian defence.

  • EAGLETS BATTLE MALI FOR GLORY

    EAGLETS BATTLE MALI FOR GLORY

    Nigeria will again enter the history books on this night as only the second country to retain the U17 World Cup should they beat fellow Africans Mali in the final.

    Brazil were the first team to successfully defend this trophy – they won in 1997 and retained it in 1999.

    The Golden Eaglets have already won the competition a record four times, but they will go a step further if they successfully defend the trophy they won two years ago in Abu Dhabi.

    Today’s showdown will be the second all-African FIFA U17 World Cup final since 1993, when Nigeria beat Ghana 2-1 at Japan ’93.

    Nigeria coach Emmanuel Amuneke said: “The Malians are the African champions, and we have to respect them. Aside that, they have also had a great tournament here in Chile. But we are a team who find a way to play and function no matter the difficulty posed by the opposition.

    “We thank God,we are going to play the final again today and this gives us the opportunity to defend the trophy we won in 2013.”

    The final is going to be a tough and interesting contest as both teams have potent strike force with the athletic Nigeria having scored 21 goals, while the bigger and more physical Mali, who are ranked best attacking team with 132 goal attempts at the competition with 12 goals scored.

    Victor Osimhen-led Eaglets strike force has a big job to do as Mali have conceded just two goals at the championship, one in the group stage against Ecuador and in the semis against Belgium.

    Mali goalkeeper Samuel Diarra has made 10 big saves and will stand between Nigeria and goal as Victor Osimhen and Funsho Bamgboye, who has served out his one-match ban, go for goals for Nigeria.

    The Nigeria defence and goalkeeper Akpan Udoh must be up and doing against the African champions who have 33 shots saved by opposing goalkeepers at this tournament.

    Unlike Nigeria, whose bulk of goals were netted by Osimhen, Mali’s goals have been evenly spread with Sidiki Maiga their leading scorer with three goals, while Amadou Haidara, Sekou Koita, Aly Malle and Boubacar Traore have scored two goals apiece.

    Kick-off is 11pm Nigerian time.

  • Upgrade Eaglets to U-20 team – Izilein

    Upgrade Eaglets to U-20 team – Izilein

    Godwin Izilein, a former coach of the Golden Eaglets has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to upgrade the current Eaglets to the U-20 team.

    Izilein spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Benin, while reacting to the team’s 4-2 victory over Mexico in the semi-finals of the U-17 World Cup in Chile.

    The coach noted that upgrading of the team was necessary, following the tactical display, discipline and skills exhibited by the players during matches.

    Izilein, however, stressed the need for continuity of the team.

    He also added that the upgrade of the team would be a way to enhance the development of football in the country.

    The coach added that it would also be used as an avenue for the discovery of players for the Super Eagles.

    “The problem is that when they finish like this, it is the duty of the NFF to instruct the coaches handling U-20 team to invite them.

    “If we continue to expose these players, it will be good for the development of football in the country. This is what contributes to development of football in Europe.

    “Coaches do not take this responsibility very seriously, instead they are always in a hurry to invite new players,” he said.

    On the exploits of the players in the ongoing championship, Izilein said the discipline and determination of the players had been their greatest weapon.

    The former Eaglets coach, who tipped Nigeria to win the cup for the fifth time, said the players had also learnt a lot from the rich knowledge of their coach, Emmanuel Amuneke.

    “The players are focused, disciplined and determined. Their style of play is excellent and when they lose possession; they strive to regain it promptly.

    “The keeper is superb while the team finishing has been the hallmark of their performance.

    “I am not surprised by their performance because their coach, Amuneke was a disciplined player and has obviously transformed that quality into the team,’’ Izilein said.

  • NFF silent on cash rewards for Eaglets

    NFF silent on cash rewards for Eaglets

    Nigeria’s U-17 football team; the Eaglets,are  the rave of the moment though there seems to be an air of caution about pushing the players to achieving a specific objective, there is also no distinct statement from the NFF if the Eaglets will get financial motivation or anything of sorts.

    Speaking on the culture of motivating national teams and particularly the Eaglets in Chile, General Secretary of the Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi refused to divulge much but was clear on the fact that the team is satisfied with the Federation and vice versa.

    Speaking with www.footballlive.ng, Sanusi pointed out that the Federation is happy to see its youth policy evidently yielding fruits.

  • Stakeholders urge Eaglets to win trophy

    Stakeholders urge Eaglets to win trophy

    Some football stakeholders on Friday urged the U-17 Golden Eaglets’ coach to work on the midfield to ensure the country emerged victorious during Sunday’s final match.

    Nigeria will take on Mali on Sunday after defeating the Mexican team 4-2 on November 5 at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

    Some of the fans told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews that they were delighted as the Eaglets made it to the final, noting that they should bring the trophy back to the country.

    Joseph Dosu, a former international goalkeeper said the team should remain focused, stressing that he had faith in them.

    “I am happy coach Emmanuel Amuneke has been able to mentor his boys to this level of the competition and I believe they will surely win the trophy.

    Paul Hamilton, a former Super Falcons coach also told NAN that he was excited about the finals that will feature two African countries.

    “I am most especially excited that two African countries are to meet in the finals of the competition. It shows that football is from Africa, but as a patriotic Nigerian, I want my country to win’’.

    Isaiah Ezeogu, a former vice-chairman, Nigeria Football Supporters Club urged the team not to rest on it’s oars but to spare no efforts at ensuring victory at the end of the day.’’

    Taiwo Afinnih, a former Chairman, Lagos State Football Association, urged the coach to ensure a strong midfield. A strong midfield will guarantee victory as it would be difficult to penetrate.

    “The team should be careful with the midfield because from what I watched between them and the Mexicans, the midfield was not that good enough.

    “The Mexicans were able to score two goals because the midfielders did not do their job well, thereby allowing them to penetrate the defence.

    “With the Malians, they have to be very careful, they also want to win, the same way we want to win,’’ he said.

    Tayo Balogun, a renowned sport analyst, said the Eaglets had better opportunity of winning the trophy if they remained focused, stressing that they should have a fighting spirit.

    Balogun said the team had to play a different game that would help keep their heads up, adding that he was optimistic that the Eaglets would triumph.

    “The boys have to play a different game that will help them to keep their heads up.

    “I see a situation where they will triumph over the Malians. They will be facing a different team from  the one they defeated at the African championship.

    “They became largely re-organised and most of the Eaglets that played against them then, are not in this team. They should put on a fighting spirit and be focused all through the match,’’ he said.

    Nigeria won the title in 1985, 1993, 2007 and 2013.

     

  • Amuneke says Eaglets will avoid Chile ‘87 debacle

    Amuneke says Eaglets will avoid Chile ‘87 debacle

    The city of Concepción and Estadio Municipal has gone down in the history of Nigerian football as the venue where the country’s star-studded U-20 squad of 1987 met their waterloo following a humiliating 4-0 loss to Brazil at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 1987.

    Twenty-eight years after what was called the ‘Chile Debacle’ by a section of the Nigerian media, the Golden Eaglets will hoist the Nigerian flag in Concepción yet again for a crunch semi-final match against Mexico at the on –going FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015, with the winner guaranteed a slot in the final match slated for Sunday in Vina del Mar.

    Speaking to thenff.com, coach Emmanuel Amuneke said the unfortunate loss by the Flying Eagles 28 years ago in Concepción will be an added motivation to guide the Golden Eaglets against defeat to the Baby El Tri on Thursday.

    “Sincerely, I can’t remember anything about Chile 1987 and I don’t want to be bothered about that,” said the straight –talking 1994 African Footballer of the Year about the Nigeria-Brazil clash of October 11, 1987. “But that said, we can’t afford to lose (at the same venue) to Mexico and this is an important game for us.”

    Nigeria and Mexico have only met thrice at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, with the Baby El Tri claiming a 1-0 win in a group phase match at Canada 1987 while the Golden Eaglets had the upper hand twice in 2013, when they walloped the Mexicans 6-1 and 3-0 in the group phase and the championship’s Final Match respectively.

    Amuneke reckons that the Golden Eaglets must, therefore, be at their best against the Baby El Tri who will be hard pressed to avenge their losses at the last tournament in the United Arab Emirates.

    “The Mexicans are a very good side and their performance so far at Chile 2015 is an indication that they have a very solid structure back home,” he said. “But we are working to ensure that the players are mentally ready for this big match.”

    Meanwhile, Amuneke was honoured on Tuesday with an award by the Chiguayante community in Concepcion. The award, according to the organisers, was in recognition of the Golden Eaglets’ Head Coach’s feat in leading a team to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015.

    PAST ENCOUNTERS

    July 16, 1987: Nigeria 0:1Mexico

    October 19, 2013: Mexico 1:6 Nigeria

    November 8, 2013: Nigeria 3:0 Mexico

  • FIFA U-17 World Cup: Eaglets get UAE referee

    FIFA U-17 World Cup: Eaglets get UAE referee

    Federation of International Football (FIFA) has picked Mohammed Abdullah Mohamed from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the centre referee for the FIFA U-17 World Cup semi-final clash involving Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets and their Mexican counterparts in Chile.

    The match kicks-off at midnight, November 6 at the 33,000 seating capacity Municipal Ester Roa Stadium in Concepcion.

    The 37-year-old referee, who was born on December 2, will be assisted by fellow compatriots, Mohamed Alhammadi, Hasan ALMAHRI as first and second assistant referees. Peruvian Diego Haro is the fourth official.

    He has been a fIFA badged referee since 2010.

    Interestingly, Nigeria won the last edition in UAE by beating Mexico 3-0 after a 6-1 demolition of the Baby El Tri in the group stage.

    Concepcion is playing host to both sides for the first time.

  • Eaglets pummel Brazil to qualify for semi final

    Eaglets pummel Brazil to qualify for semi final

    Defending champions,the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria cruised into the FIFA U-17 World Cup semi-finals after stunning Brazil with three goals in first half.

    Victor Osimhen, with his eighth goal in five games, Kingsley Michael and Udochukwu Anumudu battered Brazil.

    The Eaglets played the rest of the game out at a canter to reach the final four.

    The coach Emmanuel Amuneke-led Eaglets side will now meet the winner of today’s quarter-final between Ecuador and Mexico in the semi finals on Thursday.

    The sour point for the Nigerian team was the yellow card to enterprising forward Funsho Bamgboye in the second half, which effectively ruled him out of the semi final tie.

    Bamgboye, who got a red card in the team’s second group game against Chile was already on a yellow card he got in the second round match against Australia.

    The Samba Boys were brighter in the opening stages, either finding Akpan Udoh in fine form in the Nigerian net or hitting their opportunities off target, with Rogerio and Evander the worse culprits.

    The South Americans were however made to regret their missed opportunities when the lethal Osimhen extended his lead at the top of the goalscoring charts.

    John Lazarus crossed from the Nigerian right and the Nigerian No9 headed in, via a deflection off Eder Militao.

    Barely a minute after, Nigeria doubled their lead through Kingsley Michael while Anumudu made it three after hitting a left-footed drive from distance which skipped off the turf, and past the Brazilian goalkeeper.

    The second period saw few clear-cut opportunities, with Funsho Bamgboye and Evander going closest for either side but, in truth, it was a mere procession for the holders to take a step closer to retaining their title. They will head to Concepcion for Thursday’s semi-final.

  • Pinnick praises Eaglets, wants focus on trophy

    Pinnick praises Eaglets, wants focus on trophy

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick has applauded the six-star performance of the Golden Eaglets in routing Australia to reach the FIFA U-17 World Cup quarter -finals early Thursday morning.

    The Cup holders started slowly as the Aussies swamped all over the pitch at the Estadio Sausalito in Vina del Mar, but the tactically aware and inventive Eaglets waited for the right time to land the sucker punch, and then took the game by the jugular as the young boys from Down Under literally went down under the superior savvy and precision of the world champions.

    “I must start by pouring encomiums on the players and officials of the Golden Eaglets, not just for the victory over Australia that has taken us closer to the objective of retaining the trophy, but also for their general comportment and discipline which has been acknowledged by all at the World Cup in Chile.

    “They have been doing the nation proud. The victories over USA, host Chile and now Australia were well –deserved, because they toiled and invented and never let up, even when leading the opposition. Even when they lost to Croatia, they played with their hearts. The NFF is very proud of Coach Emmanuel Amuneke and the players,” stated Pinnick.

    Before the players departed for Argentina for their final training camp, Pinnick met with Coach Amuneke and the players and charged them to do everything they could to retain the trophy, won for an unprecedented fourth time for Nigeria by the Manu Garba –led Class of 2013. The NFF boss reminded the players and coaches that President Muhammadu Buhari was the first Nigerian leader to receive the FIFA Cadet World Cup, in his first coming as a military Head of State in 1985. That year, Nduka Ugbade-led the squad that won the inaugural tournament in China.

    “I assure you that President Buhari will also be waiting to receive the trophy again this time, and you all would be the first group of footballers to be hosted specially by the President,” said Pinnick.

    On the eve of their first match against USA in Santiago, the players and coaches received an even heftier charge from President Muhammadu Buhari himself, telling them to go for the trophy.

    “The NFF is happy with the progress the team has been making, but I want them to focus hard on the challenges ahead and know that the trophy is the ultimate. They are so close to glory but they must be focused and have strong mental attitude on the field of play.”

    The Eaglets take on Brazil for a place in the semi-finals at the now –familiar Estadio Sausalito in Vina del Mar (where they pounded host Chile 5-1 and victimised Australia 6-0) on Sunday (starting 8pm Nigeria time).

  • Fans applaud Eaglets

    Fans applaud Eaglets

    A cross section of football fans in Lokoja, on Thursday applauded the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria 6-0 victory over Australian in the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

    Following the defeat the team has qualified for the round of 16.

    The fans in separate interviews with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) commended the Eaglets for their outstanding performance at the tournament so far.

    Sunday Ige, Sports Director, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin, said he was really impressed by the performance of the team.

    According to him, the boys did not allow their previous 0-2 loss to Croatia to deter them from winning their next match.

    He said they were passionate and patriotic in proceeding to the quarter-finals. “I am convinced that they poised to win the trophy again’’.

    The director, however, urged the team to continue to improve on their defensive tactics, while maintaining their winning speed.

    Clement Dajili, Coach of Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission’s (ICPC) Football Club, hailed the team, saying they made the country proud.

    “The team is a promising teamand if kept together, I am optimistic the boys will win the trophy again.”

    Rasheed Ajibade, an ex-International, said: “It is only when the final whistle is blown at the end of the final match, that will actually hail them for an outstanding performance.