U-17 AFCON: Ex-Eaglets stars call for early preparation

Former Golden Eaglets stars have called for early preparation for Fatai Amoo’s team ahead of the U-17 Africa Cup Of Nations billed for Morocco.

The Eaglets finished second at the recent WAFU ‘B’ U-17 tournament in Lome, Togo following a 3-2 loss to Ivory Coast in the final of the competition on Monday.

Festus Odini, a member of the 1993 Eaglets squad that won the U-17 World Cup in Japan, said the team needed early camping to excel in Morocco.

“The team has shown their capability and the Nigeria Football Federation must ensure they prepare well to correct the lapses noticed,”Odini said.

He said; “Early camping is important for the team to do well in Morocco and we must know which pitch we will be playing on because that affected the team’s play in the semi-final and the final.”

Lukman Haruna, captain of the side that won the U-17 World Cup in 2007 said; “The Eaglets have a good side, but I believe with better preparation they will flourish more.

“It was unfortunate they lost in the final to Ivory Coast, but they must prepare hard for the U-17 AFCON because the event has moved from a regional tournament to a continental battle.”

Ramon Azeez, who was part of the Eaglets side that reached the final of the 2009 U-17 World Cup on home soil, also backed the team to win a third AFCON title, but called for quality preparation ahead of the tournament.

NP/Mercy Chukwudiebere