Benin – A former coach of the Golden Eaglets, Godwin Izilein, has advised the Sports ministry to properly manage the Eaglets’ victory at this year’s Under-17 World Cup finals in Chile.
The Eaglets emerged world champions when they defeated their Malian counterparts by two goals in the final match of the just-concluded World Youth championship in the early hours of Monday in Chile.
Izilein, who gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Benin, said that Nigeria’s declining soccer moments would experience a resurgence, “if the current victory was well managed’’.
The tactician said the nucleus of the Eaglets should be well-guided and nurtured into the under-20 national team.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
“Some of these boys can even break into the Super Eagles. These boys should not be neglected like we used to experience previously.
“The football authority should learn to manage this big success by guiding and counselling the boys not to rush into mushroom clubs abroad.
“They should be given full attention and proper guidance as regards their professional careers, for optimum productivity,’’ he said.
Izilein, however, suggested that the coach should be allowed to remain and groom more talents at that level.
“Let him remain at that level to groom more boys. I believe in continuity and this is what we need at this point in time.’’
It would be recalled that Nigeria last won the Under-17 World Cup in 2013 at the UAE.
With this 2015 victory, the Nigerian team has won the cup for a record fifth time. (NAN)
