Leadership (Abuja)
24 April 2011
The Flying Eagles will today lock horns with their Gambian counterparts in a win-or-bust game at the on-going 17th Orange African Youth Championship in South Africa.
The Flying Eagles, on Thursday, lost their game against Cameroon, leaving their qualification hanging in the balance. Following that loss, they have just three points while The Gambia has just one.
Cameroon are already through to the semi-final, having amassed six points from two games, and will be needing a draw against Ghana today to top the group.
The Flying Eagles, five-time champions, will dent a history of success, as it will be disastrous if tey fail to qualify, seeing as a semi-final ticket will also gurantee qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia later in the year.
Meanwhile, Sam John Obuh, head coach of the Nigerian side, has assured Nigerians that his boys would go all out for the three points when they take on The Gambia at the Millpark Stadium today. “Everything would be done to see that we win the match. Myself and my assistants are working on the players. They were downcast after the loss to Cameroon but we have been able to get them to pick up their morale from the floor and focus on the task at hand.
“They cannot go on crying over the loss for long, because there is a bigger challenge in front. We need a win to get to the semi-finals and earn a berth at the World Cup.
“Personally, I want to take charge of a team at a second FIFA World Cup finals. I would be very happy if we can qualify for Colombia”, said Obuh, who led the U-17 team to silver medal at the FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted by Nigeria in 2009.Also, NFF President Aminu Maigari approved the an increased bonus plan that will see each player receive $2,000 each if they emerge victorious.
“The players will get the sum of $2,000 each for a win, which is a 100 per cent increase on their regular bonus. We believe this should motivate them, maximally, to go for the three points”, said Maigari.
Former Nigeria international Dosu Joseph is quite optimistic that the Flying Eagles will bounce back .
Dosu gave thumbs up to the coach John Obuh-tutored lads for standing up to the Cameroonians, despite the defeat. According to him, the Nigerian flag bearers must have learnt their lesson and will come out smoking for victory against the Gambians.
“The boys played very well, it was just a defensive blunder on their back-line that gave the game to Cameroon. It was a good game. Good enough, they have a game to go; what remains is for them to get a win over the Gambians.
“The Flying Eagles may have suffered from complacency, having defeated the reigning African and world champions, Ghana, they may have relaxed, hoping to over-run the Cameroonians.
“Unfortunately, it bounced against them. I will advice them to brush off the defeat and focus on winning the game against the Gambia.”
He warned that the Gambians will come out tough, especially as they have a chance of progressing, following Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Ghana. He however prayed that VVV Venlo play-maker, Musa Ahmed will re-join the team to sharpen the attack.
“I hope Ahmed Musa will rejoin the team before (Sunday’s) today’s game against the Gambia, they need him to strengthen the attack.
“Of course, the game will be tough, the Gambia drew 1-1 against Ghana and that has enlivened their hope of qualification, but I am sure the Flying Eagles know better and must give their all in that game,” he said.
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