U-20 W/Cup: NFA Urges Falconets To Be Focused

Some officials of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA)
have urged the Falconets to be more focused in their semi-final match tomorrow
at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Japan.

The officials told newsmen in Abuja in separate interviews
that Falconets’ quarter-final 1-0 victory over Mexico last Thursday was
stretched into extra time due to anxiety.

NFA’s General Secretary, Musa Amadu said the players were
too anxious to wrap up the game in the first half of the game.

“We are delighted for their semi-final qualification, which
is the minimum requirement we gave them.

“The Falconets would have been able to convert those chances
that came their way in the regulated time without going into extra time.

“I noticed that they give away too many set pieces in terms
of free kicks and corner kicks, and the Mexicans tried to take advantage of
that.

“They were able to get to our penalty area with those set
pieces and caused us quite a number of anxious moments.

“So, I think they need to be more focused and concentrated,”
he said.

Siji Lagunju, NFA’s Chief Technical Officer, urged the
Falconets not to be in a hurry to score but give precise and accurate passes in
the semi-finals.

“They were in a hurry to score and that was the reason why
they were shooting from 25 metres to 30 metres away even when they had the
opportunity to pass to a better placed team mate.

“That is what they have to correct in their next match and I
am sure they will get it right,” he said.

On his part, the Secretary of the Nigeria National League,
Ayo Rahman, advised the coaching crew to improve on the player’s attacking
tactics.

“They should improve on their attacking tactics for them to
hit targets and throw the opponents’ defence into disarray.

“The quarter-final match is a sign that we are coming home
with the trophy and I am sure the players are ready to face any challenge that
comes up,” he said.

The Falconets will play
the United States in their semi-final match.