Nigeria’s U17s, the Golden Eaglets, have been told in clear terms to work harder and win Tuesday’s 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup second Group B match against Ecuador, Completesports.com reports.
Akwuegbu, a former Nigeria U17 forward, reckons that with the victory in the first matcj against Hungary, it is now ‘important’ for the Manu Garba’s charges to consolidate on what they started brightly at the weekend.
He says the game against Ecuador is as important “if not more important” than the first game.
“After the victory over Hungary, I think it is now even ” more important” for the Eaglets to win second game,” Akwuegbu told Completesports.com on phone from his base in London.
“A win on Tuesday against Ecuador will first guarantee them progression to the knockout stage.
“It will also remove pressure from the players going into the last group match and indeed ensure that we don’t start to resort to calculations as to how we can qualify.
“And of course, it will send a strong signal to our other potential opponents that indeed these Eaglets are fearsome and ready to crush any opposition.”
Nigeria sits on top of Group B with three points following the
4-2 comeback win against Hungary on Saturday.
Akwuegbu, however warns that the the matchday-2 clash against Ecuador won’t be a stroll in the park.
“Ecuador are not in Brazil for a sightseeing. They want to make name for themselves and their country too,” he said.
“Besides, they are physically strong and play with power too.”
By Sab Osuji
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