Eaglets’ opening day performance thrills Amuneke

NATIONAL Under-17 men’s football team, Emmanuel Amuneke, is a happy man after his wards defeated hosts, Niger Republic, 2-0 on Sunday in the opening game of the 11th CAF Africa Junior Championship in Niamey.

  Two goals in the first half by Victor Osimhen and skipper Kelechi Nwakali gave the Eaglets a first win in the competition and this pleased the former Zamalek player.

  “The most important thing in football today is to win. It was important for us to win our first game. We took our chances and defended well,”Amunike told CAF’s official website.

  “Now, we have to see how we can grow from strength to strength. Credit to Niger because they are a good side and I’ll urge them to keep working hard.”

  Guinea defeated Zambia 1-0 in the clash between the other teams in Group A to go second behind Nigeria.

  Amuneke, who was impressed with what he saw, thanked he organisers for making sure that legitimate youngsters were on display in Niamey.

  “I would also like to commend CAF and FIFA for the MRI scans for these age group tournaments because this is hugely advancing African football,” Amuneke enthused.

  “It’s quite exciting to see the future players of African football doing very well at this stage.”