Ex- Super Eagles goalkeeper, Willy Okpara, on Friday urged the National U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, to improve on their game during the FIFA U-17 World Cup, holding in Chile.
The competition holds from October 17 to November 8 in Chile.
Okpara told the News Agency of Nigeria in Soweto, South Africa, that as the defending champions, every team’s ambition would be to defeat them.
He said with adequate preparation, the Eaglets had the potential to perform well in the tournament.
“Being the defending champions, the Eaglets’ pride is at stake. They have to prove to the world that they are good and deserve to win the trophy.
“I urge the team to put in more than 100 per cent effort in all their games and I believe they will do well. They should keep to their coaches’ instructions and avoid underrating their opponents. Every game should be taken with all the seriousness it deserves,’’ he said.
Okpara, who is also the Team Manager of Orlando Pirates of Soweto, urged the Eaglets to strive to retain the trophy as it would improve on the country’s rating in international football.
“The players should realise that previous U-17 teams did the nation proud by winning the trophy. Such accomplishments can be repeated through determination and hard work.
“I am optimistic of a good outing for the team, given their level of preparation. The handlers of the team are equal to the task and have done a good job,” he said.
Comments