David Ngobua
5 November 2009
Abuja — Golden Eaglets Assistant Coach, Samuel Abimbola has said their opponents in today's second round match, New Zealand will not escape defeat in the hands of the Nigerian team which he said has since recovered its confidence.
Speaking to Trustsports yesterday, the coach said Eaglets have put behind them their shaky start in the championship and are ready to take on any opponents.
He said following the support it has so far enjoyed from Nigerian fans, the team has regained its confidence and every member of the team is rearing to go.
Coach Abimbola maintained that the support which the Eaglets have enjoyed so far from Nigerian football fans is the tonic that has continued to propel the team to victory.
The coach said if such support continues to come the way of the team, it will go all the way to the finals.
He, however, observed that today's match against New Zealand who are Oceania champions will be a difficult game just as he assured the team's teeming fans that the coaching crew and the players have resolved to win the match so as to book a place in the quarter finals.
"I want to assure you that Eaglets will end New Zealand's run in this championship. I say this with all confidence because the Eaglets are on fire. The players are ready to lay down their lives to defend the U-17 trophy.
"Like my chief said, our target is the Cup and we would not allow anything to stand between us and the trophy. However, if we are to retain the trophy, we have no choice but to beat our opponents today. And going by the spirit in camp, it is not hard to see that the players are ready to do us proud today," he said.
Abimbola reiterated that even if the players had a shaky start, that is now history as victories over Honduras and tournament favourites have restored the team's confidence.
"It is obvious that we are more confident than ever before. The moment we were able to come back against Germany in the opening match, I knew that we would go far and today it is happening. Our fans can see that we are getting better after each match," he added.
The coach therefore called on Abuja fans to come out en mass to cheer the Eaglets to victory as he said such support would ginger the boys to put in their best.
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