NFF: Togo Test good for Eaglets

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are of the view that the coming WAFU B Under-17 Tournament in Togo is a test run for the Golden Eaglets ahead of the qualifiers for the 2015 CAN Championship.

The Golden Eaglets that has recorded victories in their four previous matches, would round off their tune-up for the tournament in Togo against Pepsi Football Academy at the Agege Stadium in Lagos on Today at 4:00pm.

But that success notwithstanding, it is the conviction of Alhaji Yussuf Fresh, a board member of the NFF that the Golden Eaglets are
not yet ‘good-to-go. “So far, so good because I have been following up on all the activities of the team right from the start of the screening though the momentum is coming up, ” said Yussuf , “we are still expecting some good players to be integrated since this is a national team what I can say is that there is progress,”

While commending the coaching crew for the string of victories so far, Yussuf said matter-of-factly that the tournament in Togo would define the readiness of the team for CAN 2015 qualifiers.

The Golden Eaglets have been drawn bye to the second round and would engage the winner of the first round fixture between Burundi and Congo in July and August.

“Sincerely, I don’t think the team is ready yet despite their good performance in friendly matches but the tournament in Togo would show whether they have arrived or not,” he said.

Yussuf, who will be leading the Golden Eaglets to the tournament in Togo, said his observation was borne out of the fact that the Golden Eaglets are the defending FIFA Under-17 World Cup champions as such; the technical must ensure that only the best players are included in their program.

Eaglets arrive Ilorin for KFA’s test As Muhammed gingers Golden Eaglets

The Golden Eaglets arrived safely in Ilorin on Saturday ahead of their friendly match against Kwara Football Academy (KFA) Sunday’s match against the modelled KFA fixed for 10:00am at the Ilorin Township Stadium is yet another preparatory match for the fledging national Under-17 team being groomed for the 2015 CAN Championship to be hosted by Niger.

A contingent of 18 players and 8 officials and assistant coach, Kabiru Baleria due to his engagement at the on-going CAF’s Grade-C
License coaching course in Abuja arrived the Kwara state capital aboard Luxury Marcopolo Bus.

The entourage is led by Alhaji Yussuf Fresh, board member and chairman of the NFF’s youth committee.

Also on the trip to Ilorin en route to Lome through Lagos is Mr. Patrick Pascal (MON), special assistant to the NFF’s President on Technical matters.

Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets’ would likely parade the duo of Kehinde Ayinde and Kolawole Gbadamosi against their counterparts from KFA.Both players who were scouted from the KFA, have been impressive in the team’s previous matches and are now relishing the prospect of playing in front of their home fans.

Yet Coach Emmanuel Amuneke maintained the friendlies in Ilorin and Lagos, would condition the players physically and mentally for the upcoming WAFU B Under-17 Tournament in neighbouring Togo.

“These games are good for the boys because it gives us the opportunity to see how they could react to different situations,” he said.
The Golden Eaglets won all their three previous matches including a 6-0 thrashing of Super Falcons and an identical 2-1 win against Yuguda Boys of Bauchi and College of Football, Abuja.

Muhammed gingers Golden Eaglets

Musa Muhammed, the inspirational captain of the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup-winning team, has sent solidarity message to the new boys.

Musa has repeatedly been extolled for his uncommon leadership quality and only on Wednesday, he breezed into the NFF/FIFA Goal Project arena to watch the lads beat Yuguda Boys 2-1.

Musa in a voice note via BlackBerry to an official of the Golden Eaglets shortly after the team’s departure from Abuja to Ilorin wished the team success in their upcoming matches.

“I hope everybody is okay and doing well,” said Musa who scored a breathtaking free-kick and the last goal of the 2013 Under-17 World Cup final match when Nigeria mauled Mexico 3-0.”I want to wish the team journey mercies and good luck in all the matches.”

Now with Turkish side, Besiktas, Musa is presently in the Flying Eagles camp in Abuja and has already been promoted the captain of the national under-20 side by coach Garba Manu (MFR).