Nigeria's Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has celebrated the Flying Eagles win over stating that it shows the never-say-due spirit in Nigerians, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The U-20 male team of the country stunned Italy by two goals to nil in FIFA U-20 World Cup at the Estadio Malvinas in Argentina after goals by Salim Fago and Jude Sunday in the second half.
The win which migrated the Nigerian team to the knock phase of the tournament, elicited joyous reaction from the outgoing minister who didn't initially expect a win.
He attributes the surprising win to the "never say die spirit" of the Nigerian people.
"It might sound like a cliche, but it speaks to the situation; there is no killing the Nigerian Spirit. Just when you think Nigeria will falter, Nigeria will fail, Nigeria team will faint, that's when you get the comeback kid.
You saw the game between Brazil and Italy after I have watched that game, my heart fell, am like are we going to be able to face this people. I said ok, let us get a draw.
He further opined that success of this kind will be achieved if development in youth football is fostered.
"The fact that two goals to zero shows the power and the strength of developing youth football. That is where the secret of success of football nations lie. Look at Senegal, look at their dominance at every level. That dominance was built from bottom up; the youth teams were built up they graduated them overtime up to the senior team.
We need to return to that youth development and we are seeing the result of it and hope this team will go further and then eventually most of them will graduate into the Super Eagles."
Dare wished the Flying Eagles the best of luck as they continue the campaign for the next round.
By Uche Dozie