Football loving Nigerians will see a more formidable Golden Eaglets team, stronger than the one that won the WAFU B U -17 tournament last year in Cape Coast, Ghana was the candid expression of Emmanuel Babayaro.
Babayaro, a member of 1993 Golden Eaglets team that won the FIFA U-17 tournament in Japan, said that Nduka Ugbade tutored – side is on the right track with the series of friendly games lined up for the cadet footballers.
He opined that the test games will afford Ugbade and his technical crew the opportunity to correct some errors noticed in the team, which will make the team to become better and compact ahead of AFCON U-17 tournament in Algeria.
“I must commend the NFF for opening the camp of the Golden Eaglets early enough for the coaches to adequately prepare the young boys and I think Nduka Ugbade and the rest coaches are on the right track,” Emmanuel Babayaro told the media in Abuja.
“It is good to play many friendly games as possible. It is part of the learning curves for the young boys. Every coach wants his team to win every game, but it can be a blessing when you lose a friendly game.
“It helps the coach to realistically appraise his team’s situation and appreciating the fact that his team is not invincible.
“I knew the Eaglets have played some friendly games. Won some and lost two as they continue their preparation for the AFCON U-17 tournament.
“This is good. I am very certain that the Eaglets will become better and stronger as they continue to play more friendly games in their build -up to the tournament.
“And at the end of their preparations, a more formidable,stronger than the team Nigerians saw in WAFU B U -17 tournament in Ghana will be presented in Algeria.
“Ugbade is experienced enough and has an excellent pedigree. He understands the U-17 football terrain and I wish him and the team success in Algeria,” he said.
Eaglets have played six friendly games, won four and lost two. The team scored 28 goals and conceded nine.
