Posted by By Sunday Akintoye on
Chief coach of the Golden Eaglets, Henry Nwosu, says he will build a solid squad that can defend the FIFA U-17 World Cup, won by Nigeria, in Korea.
Chief coach of the Golden Eaglets, Henry Nwosu, says he will build a solid squad that can defend the FIFA U-17 World Cup, won by Nigeria, in Korea.
With the country's preparation to host the junior World Cup in top gear, Nwosu told P.M.Sports, early today, that his team will bring glory to Nigeria by retaining the title.
Speaking on telephone from their camp in Abuja. The former Green Eagles' player said his target is to present a formidable team that millions of Nigerians will be proud of.
'We cannot afford to disappoint soccer-loving Nigerians. We are hosting the World Cup and we must win the cup again. That is why we have started early camping as part of our preparations for the event,' he said.
Nwosu, who was member of the Green Eagles squad that won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, said he is not under pressure to deliver. The coach said he is aware of the task ahead, adding that his team will be crowned as world champions, this year.
'Many Nigerians are saying I'm under pressure to deliver. That is not true. I'm more confident than ever, because I have a crop of players that can win the title. All I need from Nigerians is their support.' Commenting on the players that are currently in camp, the Eaglets coach said 23 players are in the Abuja camp.
Nwosu also disclosed that the team will soon start playing friendly matches to expose the strengths and weaknesses of the players. 'I'm not afraid of playing friendly matches. I have submitted my programmes to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). It's left for the body to get the ball rolling from the end of this month.