SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – NOVEMBER 02: The Nigerian bench during the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 Quarter Final match between Uruguay and Nigeria at the Sharjah Stadium on November 2, 2013 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by FIFA)
Abuja -The Golden Eaglets’ coach, Manu Garba, says winning the trophy of the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup will be his greatest achievement.
This information is contained in a statement issued by the team’s Media Officer, Morakinyo Abodunrin, in Abuja on Thursday.
Manu Garba, head coach of Nigeria ponders during the FIFA U17 group F match between Sweden and Nigeria at Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium on October 22, 2013 in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Photo by FIFA
According to him, there is an extra motivation for me to win this trophy and it will be my greatest honour.
“In 2007, when I was an assistant coach, Nigeria won the trophy. The team has played the best football since we started this journey.
“At this tournament, the players have shown the whole world the stuff they were made off because they have put everything into the competition so far.
“These set of players are playing total football. Of course, I have won this trophy before, beating Mexico on Friday will be the best moment of my coaching career.
“None of the players I brought here play in the Nigerian domestic league, the technical crew with me had to groom them from the scratch.
“I thank God that they have not let us down and am hoping that the Nigeria government will motivate them to do more,’’ Garba said.
He said the game would not be one-sided as predicted by many, since the Mexicans would be eyeing revenge after their 1-6 loss to Nigeria at the group stage.
“Mexico will be looking for revenge, but we are going to a win this match because we want to set the record as the best team in the world at this level.
“We respect Mexico for what they have been able to do at this World Cup, but our prayer is that God will crown our efforts on Friday.
The team seeking to win their fourth U-17 World Cup trophy will confront Mexico in the finals on Friday.
The match will be played at the Abu Dhabi stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 5 p.m. Nigerian time.
The North Americans were humiliated by the Nigerian side in their first Group F match played in Al Ain on Oct. 19. (NAN)
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