Obuh Calls for Early Preparation for Flying Eagles

BY BOLAJI OKUNOLA

Former Flying Eagles coach, John Obuh, has tasked Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to begin early preparation for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Niger Republic. The championship is the route to the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2019.

Obuh who handled the Nigeria’s under 17 side that placed second at the FIFA tournament in 2009 is unhappy that the rebuilding to the Nigerian under 20 side is not getting adequate attention at the moment.

He told Sports Village Square that since the conclusion of the 2017 edition which Nigeria missed in Zambia, the rebuilding process for the next tournament ought to have commenced.

“No one is happy watching other teams jostling for a trophy that we have dominated. It was disastrous. I mean being absent in Zambia has shown our present standard in world football.

“The harm has been done and I believe the next option should be us looking forward to conquer any challenge that will hinder us from making it to the next tournament come 2019.

“I use to love watching youth football. But I got no choice than watching from distance. The under 17 tournament is also going on in Gabon and I pray we get it right and regain our lost glory come 2019,” he remarked.

The Nigeria U-20 team lost its qualification ticket to Sudan on away goal rule after aggregate score line stood at 5-5.

Nigeria’s initial 2-1 away win was overturned by Sudan which won the return leg in Lagos by 4-3 in a rain soaked encounter.