Ex-internationals on Wednesday commended the Golden Eaglets on their 5-1 win over Chile in a Group A match at the ongoing 2015 U-17 World Cup in Chile.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the win was the second for the team in their group, having earlier defeated USA 2-0 in their first match of the tournament.
Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze both scored two goals each while Captain Kelechi Nwakali added one from the penalty spot to give Nigeria an emphatic win over the hosts.
Former Super Eagles player, Mutiu Adepoju, described the 5-1 victory as a good performance by the team.
“It is a very good win for our Golden Eaglets team. Out of three matches in the group, we have won two so far.
“This means we will definitely qualify for the next round, which is the knock-out stage.
“I have confidence in the team’s ability to progress in the knock-out stage, but what matters now is that they should not relent or be overconfident.
“They should keep on the momentum; the ultimate desire is to bring back the trophy,’’ Adepoju said.
Another ex-international, Tunde Disu, said that the Golden Eaglets were formidable enough to retain the trophy.
He, however, cautioned the team against complacency in the remaining matches of the tournament.
“Since we can beat the host country, the team stands a good chance of getting to the finals.
“I believe we will also win the next match against Croatia, but the boys must not be overconfident,’’ Disu said.
Bright Omokaro, a former Super Eagles defender, said that result of the match was wonderful.
He said that all the players gave a good account of themselves. “They must, however, put the previous results behind them and focus on the remaining matches.
“They must continue to improve in every game and keep the good understanding among themselves to win the coming matches.
“If they keep the high spirit in the team on, they stand a good chance of winning the tournament again,’’ Omokaro said. Paul Hamilton, a former national coach and ex-international, also commended the team on its organisation and understanding between the players and the technical crew.
“I am so happy for the victory and I pray they continue till the competition is over; the team is organised and I believe they know what it takes to win matches.
“If they can score that amount of goals, then I believe they know what it takes to win the trophy,’’ Hamilton said. The Golden Eaglets will play the last group match against Croatia on Oct. 24.