Chukwu: Flying Eagles can win trophy

Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, who captained the national senior team to its first African Cup of Nations triumph, way back in March 1980, believes the Flying Eagles have what it takes to emerge winners of the African Youth Championship here in South Africa.

The man who coached the Super Eagles between 2002 and 2005, now a member of the NFF Technical Committee, was at the Milpark Stadium on Easter Sunday when Stanley Okoro and Ramon Azeez scored to give Nigeria a 2-0 win over Gambia  and earn a ticket to the semi finals and the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

“I see a lot of quality in the Flying Eagles’ team, and I believe they have what it takes to win the trophy. The players are skilful, dogged and they persevere, which are good ingredients for a team that wants to succeed.

“They also happen to have a good Coach who knows how to read the game. I am sure they can win the Cup”, said Chukwu.

The former national skipper watched the Group A match between Mali and Lesotho on Saturday and is confident Nigeria can overcome the opposition in Thursday’s first semi final at Dobsonville.

“We have the team that can achieve victory over the Malians, and go ahead to beat either Cameroon or Egypt in the final on Sunday”.