By Kate Obodo
Golden Eaglets coach John Obuh is oozing with confidence especially after his team white-washed New Zealand 5-0 in the round of 16 last Thursday. He believes his team is getting better with every game and believes that the Koreans will not be a hard nut to crack when they lock horns in the quarter finals of the on-going FIFA U-17 in Calabar on Monday.
“Against Korea like every match, we would employ a different pattern. The Koreans will not be a problem to us. Of course, we have w
Eaglet Coach
atched them play in various matches particularly in their last match against Mexico. I think we are going to adapt a new and different format in order to subdue them but we are not going to underrate them,” Obuh said.
However, he lauded his team for putting up a brilliant performance against New Zealand defeating the Oceania side 5-0 in the second round of the on-going FIFA World Cup.The former Niger Tornadoes coach is positive that with the way his team is going, they will make history again.
Late coach Adeyemi Tella’s team won the last edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2007 in South Korea and Obuh looks good to retain the trophy on home soil. Doubts over the true ages of the players had forced the Nigeria Football Federation to carry MRI test on the team, a situation that saw 15 players dropped from the squad because they were older than the required age limit.
Though, there are still calls that the team still has some over aged players, the coach Obuh side has been able to sweep that under the carpet wit their sizzling performance at the tournament.
“First, I want congratulate my boys for putting up a gallant performance. Well, I feel good seeing my team come this far in the competition. There were many obstacles at the beginning but we were able to overcome them”, Obuh said.
We thank God after all we are working toward success and if we achieve our set objective, we will give thanks to God.
“The way we are going, I am confident that victory will definitely be ours”, Obuh said.
Be focus, be dogged, be dedicated, be confident, be alert and smart….to concentrate on the ball not on the legs of your opponent (Koreans). Avoid any mistake as much as possible. God on your side your will win the day the same way you triumph over the New Zealand team. Don’t worry, IT IS POSSIBLE. To my amiable Coach John Obuah, where necessary make the change that will bring the result we all desire. God bless you & our Golden Eaglets!!! Cheers.
Coach Obuh, there is nothing wrong in being confident, but remember that no one gave you and the boys any iota of chance to advance in the tournament. Everyone wants to identify with success until you fail. Be weary of all those journalists that are forcing words out of your mouth, they will be the same people that will finish you off when you fail.
You have operated silently before now and should maintain the status quo. Like I said earlier, the Koreans are pacy and the key is to keep it tight and close them down like you did against the Argentines, which has remained the best match in the competition so far. We know you have done your bit as a coach, but tell these lads to bury thier chances as they come. Only goals count.
U.J Esuene stadium is a friendly place and Nigerian fans will not dissappoint as the ‘12th’ player. Go full blast until the final whistle. We are waiting for you guys in Lagos for the Semi final.
People Of Nigeria Thanks For Your Support,, Colombia Champions,,,,Thankssss
Andres Martinez,
Medellin, Colombia
Coach you are talking too much ooooo.
Korea Is Not New Zealand !!! Nuff Said.
John Obuh will do himself and his boys a lot of good by working harder and not being overly confident. The last 8 teams are just the best in the competition or they won’t be in the last 8.Prematured celebration and overconfidence has always led our team to lossof focus/concentration and ultimately defeat. We hope and pray the Eaglets and their handlers will remain focused till the very end and give Nigerians some consolation and happy memory of the outgoing year.