2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup: Iber Cup-winning coach tipped Golden Eaglets

The Golden Eaglets have been tipped as one of the teams to watch out at the forthcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup to be hosted by UAE between October 17 and November 8. This is the view of Coach Tony Adiele who was on the technical crew that led the Amuneke Academy to win the 2013 Under-16 Iber Tournament recently held in Portugal when the Nigerian team edged out defending
champions, Chivas Guadalajara of Mexico 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw.

By sheer coincidence, the Golden Eaglets would open up their World Cup account on October 19 against Mexico, who incidentally is the defending champions of the Championship. Speaking after Golden Eaglets dispatched Diamond FC of Umuahia 5-1 at the weekend, Adiele said the Nigerians can equally upstage the apple cart of the Mexicans yet again.

“I have no doubt that the Golden Eaglets would be good ambassadors of the country at the Under-17 World Cup in the UAE,” said Tony who featured for domestic clubs including Sharks, Julius Berger and Iwuanyanwu in his heyday. “Without missing words, I’m impressed with what I have seen today and we were beaten fair and square by a very organized team with a lot of information.”

Though he noted that the World Cup would expectedly be a different kettle of fish, Adiele said he was confident that the Golden Eaglets are ready to take on the rest of the world. “One good thing about the Golden Eaglets is that they have a winning mentality and that would help them against any team at the World Cup and I’m sure they would do us proud in Dubai, “he maintained. In the meantime, the Team Manager of Diamond FC, Mr. Victor Apugo has equally told the Golden Eaglets to gird their loins ahead of the World Cup, adding that the team needs the support and prayers of Nigerians.

“What this team needs to excel at the World Cup is good luck because the players and the technical crew have really been working hard,” he said. “We need to support them with our prayers because nothing can be achieved without the grace of God.”