By Ime Bassey
Nigeria’s winning captain at the first FIFA U-17 championship in China ‘85, Nduka Ugbade has said that qualification of the Flying Eagles from their group at this year’s Orange African Youth Championship would not be easy.

Relaying his thoughts to Saturday Vanguard Sport, the Saudi ‘89 U-20 player said that Ghana and Cameroon would be difficult to beat, but Gambia would be easy.

“To qualify from the group, I know it would be difficult as the three teams in the group are strong ones. I do not expect it to be easy for us. We have always had issues playing against Ghana and Cameroon, but the one that is not quite impressive to us is Gambia. They are like a colony to us because there are a lot of Nigerians there, they play football very well, but not yet recognized as a footballing nation in the continent.”

“For the game gainst Cameroon, it is going to be very tough because they are a physical side. A very good usage of ball, circulation, endurance and stamina, coupled with intelligent passing of the ball, we will outwit Cameroon. That of Ghana is one that I am not sure yet, but I know we possess the strength, speed and intelligent. What would be the issue would be the technicality and tacticality of the team against the Ghanaians. They have just chosen a part in their style of play; they do not attack too much but rely on counter-attack most of the time, so we have to be very careful.”

“I know that John Obuh is good; he is doing a very good job for now. I believe if we manage to win our first match, there would be a struggle for the next one which I feel we will win as that of  Gambia would not be any problem.”

“He is a sound coach, very strong and disciplined. I understand the position of the players not reporting to camp early as most of the club sides would want to hold on to them because of the league matches.

I expect and wish him all the best because he has proven himself during the U-17 World Cup when he had few months to the tournament but still managed to put a team together that went that far. Now he should see how to build on those he used at the tournament. I know he will do well in the championship.”