Rivers State fans of the Nigerian Golden Eaglets have reacted to the Eaglets 1-0 defeat by the Young Elephants of Coted’Ivoire on Wednesday in the ongoing Under 17 African Youth Championship in Morocco.

Reacting in an interview with The Tidesports in Port Harcourt yesterday, Coach Simeon Ojoko said he is optimistic that the Eaglets would qualify from group B of the championship inspite of the loss to the Young Elephants.

He attributed the defeat to ill-luck, stressing that the Eaglets were in total control of the match hoping that they would improve in their subsequent matches.

“I know that the Eaglets will qualify, because they have skills and technical know how of the game” he said.

The coach, further advised the players to take all matches serious because in football there are no more under dogs.

Jim Odede-Opiki, a sports analyst, in his opinion, suggested that the technical crew should talk to the players and work on their psychology, asking them to improve their game in next outing with Congo.

“As for me, is good they lost at this early stage, so that they will learn lesson”.

According to him, the Congolese players did not do anything at stake as it is, adding that a draw will quality to the next stage.

“I believe that Eaglets will qualify, but they should take their game serious because anything can happen in the game of football”.

Bassey John, a grassroots coach expressed sadness over the defeat, saying that Nigerians like putting themselve into tight corner.

He noted that the players did not take the game serious and they underrated their opponents.

“I still have the believe and hopes that Eaglets will qualify for the next round, but they should not left any stone unturn against Congo.