F/EAGLES READY TO SPARKLE AT COLUMBIA W/ CUP - GREEN

By NBF News

 
Nigeria Football Federation technical committee chairman, Barrister Chris Green has allayed that the Flying Eagles will not excel at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Colombia.

Following the team's poor performance at the just concluded Copa de la Republic tournament in Panama City, Nigerians have expressed fear that the reigning African champions may further fumble at the global tournament.

Green said that the team did not disappoint since the aim of the tournament was not to win.

'I am happy the way they played, we never entered into the event to win, we only agreed that the event will help them further prepare for the World cup.

'The team played safe to avoid injury, we did not give it our best shot. The team is ready for the world and I think the purpose has been achieved.'

The Rivers state FA chairman who admitted that the coach John Obuh's wards need to sharpen the attack hinted that he sees the nation's campaigners topping their group.

'Flying Eagles will beat Guatemala on July 31. In fact, I see them coming out top of Group D and progressing to the next stage.

'Yes, the attack is suspect, I expect the coach to make the attack sharper, re-shuffle the defence and inject a few players in the midfield,' he said.

The biennial football fiesta starts on Friday with Nigeria grouped together with Croatia, Saudi Arabia and Guatemala. They will kick off their title chase on Sunday against Guatemala.