–Ex National U20 coach warns team against complacency
Former Flying Eagles coach, John Obuh has declared that South American giants, Brazil, are not invincible, stressing that if Manu Garba’s boys put behind whatever they have achieved right from U-17 level, they can shock the Samba Boys in New Zealand.
“I don’t believe in statistics, the fact that Nigeria has not beaten Brazil at competitive U-20 level before does not scare me at all”, starts the former Golden Eaglets handler.
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“I remember that in 2013 during the Touloun Tournament in France, we beat them 2-1 so why can’t the Flying Eagles do same this time around.
“I have never hidden my love and admiration for this Flying Eagles team, they have the potential, they have the quality and given the technical input of the coaches, support of the (NFF) Federation and prayers of Nigerians, I’m confident they will soar high in New Zealand”, Obuh who is Gabros FC adviser said.
Nigeria has not won a game or scored against Brazil at the U-20 level since 1983, conceding nine goals in four meetings that includes a scoreless draw in the Netherlands in 2005.
Obuh reckons that if the Flying Eagles can put their heads down and put behind their achievements in the U-17 and U-20 levels since 2013, they will go far in the New Zealand showpiece.
“This team has jelled well, right from the Golden Eaglets level when they won the FIFA U-17 World Cup and the U-20 level when they won the AYC trophy.
“But if they can put those records behind and avoid being complacent, I see them going far in the championship”, he stressed.
Asked at what stage the team can reach in the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, Obuh said what is important is for the team to qualify from their group.
“After that, they can take it from there”, the former Enugu Rangers gaffer said.
(Complete Sports)