Golden Eaglets leave for Vina del Mer

Nigeria’s 2-0 defeat of the United States on Saturday at the on-going FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile has set the team in good stead for the task of defending their title, says Golden Eaglets Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke.

The Golden Eaglets, winners of the crown in 2013 at the UAE, defeated the Americans 2-0 courtesy of goals by Chukwudi Agor and Victor Osimen.

Speaking on his wards’ performance after the game, Amuneke told thenff.com, “The victory today against the USA was important for us and I want to congratulate the boys for making Nigerians happy.

“They (players) were tentative in the first 20 minutes and this was expected because it was the first time they were playing at a big stage such as the World Cup, but it was important we won the first game since it would boost our confidence going into the next game against host Chile; so we are happy but will continue to work harder.

“Today’s victory against the USA is for Nigerians, especially for many who stayed up late to watch the match.”

The former African Footballer of the Year, who refrained from praising the goal scorers against USA, added, “It is the job of all the players to do their respective jobs in the interest of the team. We want to play and win as a team and collectively, we want to work in order to achieve our overall objective at this tournament.”

Also speaking on the game, Chukwudi Agor described his goal, which was the opening goal in Group A, as very important for his budding career.

It was Agor’s second goal for the national U-17 side after he grabbed the winner in the 2-1 win over Brazil at the Suwon U-17 Tournament in September.

He said: “I’m happy that I scored today. “I am dedicating the goal to my sister, Oluchi.”

The Golden Eaglets will was expected to leave Santiago yesterday for Vina del Mer, where they will play host Chile at the 24,000 Capacity Estadio Sausalito tomorrow.