Golden Eaglets captain Samson Tijani has stated that the ‘never say die’ Nigerian spirit has been the key to the side’s progress at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil, reports Completesports.com.
The five-time African champions played out of their skin to earn comeback wins in their first two games against Hungary and Ecuador.
Manu Garba’s lads were staring at defeat with less than fifteen minutes to go inn both games. And on each occasion, the Africans produced spectacular comeback.
Against Hungary, Tijani was the primary motivator, netting Nigeria’s first and last goals for a 4-2 victory, the latter coming via free-kick from 30 yards.
“We don’t relent,” Tijani told FIFA.com of his team’s proclivity for late rallies.
“We don’t give up easily. We force ourselves to keep pushing until we get the win.”
Ibrahim Said embodied the motto in Nigeria’s second win, completing the only hat-trick of Brazil 2019 thus far with two quick goals in the 85th and 89th minutes. His second was the standout, a curling, dipping ball from outside the left edge of the box. Final score: Nigeria 3, Ecuador 2.
“In my mind, I kept thinking, ‘We should not be losing’,” said Said of the match against Ecuador.
“It gave me the fire to score a goal like this, along with the help from my team-mates.”
The Golden Eaglets will face the Netherlands in the Round of 16 from 12am Wednesday November 6 (Nigerian time), at the Estadio Olimpico, Goiania.
