Duro Ikhazuagbe
5 November 2009
Lagos — After coming back from the dead in the opening group game against Germany to end the encounter 3-3, Golden Eaglets' chief handler, John Obuh can very well recall what football means to the average Nigerian.
Of course, the team eventually went all the way to top the Group that had the likes of Germany, Argentina and Honduras, booking this round of 16 pairing against New Zealand was certainly no cheap feat. It therefore, means that Obuh and his wards must have surmounted the initial fright to set Nigeria's hope of winning the cup back-to-back on full trottle.
But playing debuntants like the New Zealanders who braved all odds to get this far means that the Golden Eaglets would have to be carefull and watch those ineffective strikes in front of goal.
Coach Obuh rightly concur to Nigerians who have been warning that it was high time the Eaglets start scoring goals. The former Niger Tornadoes handler also knows the implication of under-rating this so-called under-dogs.
"It would be a big mistake to underestimate New Zealand because they're a talented and determined team. We've seen a few of their matches; they never give up and they fight right up until the final whistle."
Of course, the mood at the Abuja National Stadium will be too right for the boys to flourish. What with the Rafiu Ladipo led national supporters club leading the cheer party and the 40,000 ball fans, whose tickets were paid for by the FCT rooting from the stands. There certainly will be no hiding place for the young Kiwis.
Similarly, in the Young All Whites' camp, morale could hardly be higher. A group-stage exit would have surprised no one and New Zealand's progress to the Round of 16 has an almost miraculous feel to it, thanks in large part to Jack Hobson-McVeigh's sumptuous stoppage-time strike against Turkey.
Stephen Cain's troops know they are not favourites against Nigeria and will play free from pressure, as so many sides have done in the past on their way to causing memorable upsets. Wether the lads from Down Under will be able to cause the unimaginable is just few hours away from this moment.
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