Lagos – Some football enthusiasts have attributed the Golden Eaglets’ victory at the just concluded FIFA U-17 world cup in Chile to the hard work exhibited by both the players and officials during the tournament.
They spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos following the team’s lifting of the trophy for the fifth time in the early hours of the day.
The enthusiasts, who expressed joy over the defeat of the Malian team by a 2-0 goal margin, said that the team deserved the victory, following efforts exhibited in their matches since the tournament commenced..
Mutiu Adepoju, former Super Eagles mid-fielder, said that the Eaglets deserved the victory, considering the efforts exhibited by the players during the final game of the tournament.
“The win was awesome, they deserve the win because they put in their all from the beginning to the end and they demonstrated professionalism from the first match.
“I see the boys going higher, life is about progression, they have to maintain their standard and also develop themselves to become the unbeatable champions,’’ Adepoju said.
Henry Nwosu, a former U-17 coach, also expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the match, describing it as a “well deserved victory’’.
“Adequate preparation, determination, focus and support are what is needed in football and I am happy the trophy is home with us,’’ Nwosu said.
Another fan, who simply gave his name as Attah said that he was proud to be a Nigerian and would want the government to reward the players handsomely.
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“The trophy is the reward for good effort the players put into the game. I am proud of them; they have proven to be consistent and talented.
“The NFF needs to monitor them closely because so many clubs are there ready to sign them on so that they can play for them.’’
Also a soccer lover, Oshameyan Samuel, said that the players, “if allowed to be together will bring home the senior world cup in future.’’
A grassroots’ football player, Bello Tunde ,said the Eaglets needed to be nurtured for them to make the U-23 stage.
“They still have a lot to offer Nigeria; they need to train so as to make the country proud at the U-23 level.
“The boys still have a long way to go in football; they should not allow pride gets into them’’. (NAN)
