‘Eaglets Not Under Pressure To Win U-17 World Cup’

The Nigeria Football Association (NFA)  has said that  the Golden Eaglets are not under pressure to emerge winners of the forthcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This was contained in a statement issued by the team’s Media Officer, Morakinyo Abodunrin, in Abuja which quoted NFA’s Chairman of Technical Committee, Chris Green.

According to the statement, Green said the NFA was concerned with laying a solid foundation for Nigerian football through the team and not just about winning the competition.

The Eaglets are billed to participate in the 15th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup from October  17 to November 8.

“We want the Golden Eaglets to do well at the World Cup, but it is not a case of winning at all cost, and that is why we are being meticulous in our approach with this current team.

“Our philosophy is that youth competitions are just developmental and we want to see a situation whereby our players will have more time of their playing life,’’ the statement quoted Green to have said. It said Green was optimistic that the team has a chance to progress from the first round group stage of the competition, where they have been drawn in Group F. The draw held Monday in Abu Dhabi saw the Eaglets being grouped with Mexico, Iraq and Sweden.

Green said he believes the Golden Eaglets have already achieved something by qualifying for the World Cup competition.

“And on our part, we have achieved something greater because everyone has been saying that this is the most credible under-17 team ever presented by this country.

“Though, the Mexicans are the defending champions, but the fact is still that Nigeria is a strong country at this level. “As such, we expect that the Golden Eaglets will do well at the World Cup,’’ he said.