We’re not under pressure – Eaglets

Nigeria’s Under-17 national team head coach, Manu Garba, has declared that they are not under pressure to face Mexico in the Fifa Under-17 World Cup showpiece game in Abu Dhabi this Friday.
Garba is confident of guiding Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets to a fourth title at under-17 level after watching his boys defeat Sweden 3-0 in the semifinal in Dubai on Tuesday with goals from Taiwo Awoniyi, Samuel Okon and Chidera Ezeh.

But Garba, who was an assistant coach of the Golden Eaglets six years ago when they won the Under-17 World Cup in South Korea, was quick to point out that the Mexicans have been resilient following their recovery from a 1-6 loss in their opening game against Nigeria.

The Nigerian coach branded the North Americans as “a very technical team.”
“We showed today (Tuesday) that we are a very strong side. We are not going to be on any pressure against Mexico in the final because we would prepare mentally, physically and psychologically for the final.
“The Mexican team I maintained are a very technical team and I believe the final is going to be a great one but by the grace of God, we shall win this trophy for Nigeria and Africa.
“I still maintained that the Mexican team are a very technical team and we can see their resilience by coming from a 6-1 loss to us (Nigeria) and still be in the final,” Manu said at the post-match media conference.
Mexico’s El Tri reached the final after dumping out Argentina 3-0 in the first semifinal at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

VANGUARD