Onigbinde Tasks Flying Eagles On World Cup

A former Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Adegboye Onigbinde has charged the handlers of the Flying Eagles to remain unwavering as they prepare for the forthcoming 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Onigbinde made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

The Flying Eagles are drawn in Group B alongside Cuba, North Korea and Portugal.

The Flying Eagles emerged in the third position at the just-concluded Africa Youths Championship (AYC) in Algeria to automatically qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey.

The Eagles were the defending champions, but could not retain the trophy they won in South Africa in 2011.

“We lost the championship, sad as it is, but we should not dwell too much on that; we have to prepare for the World Cup, the technical committee should consult among themselves.

“I know that the situation left Nigerians with mixed feelings; the bronze medal did not go down well with football fans.

“But at this point in time, we need to rally round the team and give our support to the Flying Eagles to have a superlative performance in Turkey,’’ Onigbinde said.

On his assessment of the country’s football development, the CAF and FIFA instructor told newsmen that his passion for the game had made him to regularly voice his views to the authorities.

“I have written severally on how we can increase the pace at which our country’s football can grow from my point of view.

“But I think it has not yet gotten to the appropriate quarters.

“My passion for genuine development programmes cannot be overemphasised, I still want to believe that someday soon, we will get it right,’’ the former coach added.