Friday Ekpo, an ex-international footballer, has urged Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets to stick to their game plan in their Sunday’s quarter-final match against Brazil, at the ongoing U-17 World Cup in Chile.
Ekpo, while reacting to the Eaglets’ 6-0 trouncing of Australia earlier on Thursday in the Round of 16, lauded the Eaglets.
The former Super Eagles midfielder said in Lagos that Brazil, their next opponent, could be overwhelmed if the team played to the instructions of their Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke.
“They should not accord undue respect to Brazil, the way they showed respect to Croatia in their last group match.
“They should play the match with all seriousness and do what their coach tasks them to do on the pitch, to defeat the opponent”.
Festus Allen, a former 3SC of Ibadan coach, advised the team not to entertain any fears against a country like Brazil, noting that their opponents were not invincible.
Allen said the team had the ability and techniques to defeat any team at the tournament.
“The players have done well so far; and should be commended for their victory against Australia.
“If they continue this way, the boys will defeat Brazil in their next match, if they have at the back of their minds that the Brazilians are beatable.
“I believe the team will go as far as retaining the title,” he said.
Fatai Akanni, a grassroots football coach in Ajegunle Area of Lagos stated that he was certain of victory in the match against Brazil, even though the encounter would not be an easy one.
Akanni said the players would defeat their opponents if they adopt massive attack and massive defensive tactics.
“This match is going to be the final before the final; so, our boys should be fully ready, ‘’ he urged.
