Mixed reactions trail F/Eagles’ outing in Egypt

While some soccer enthusiasts hailed the performance of the team, others said it was too early to give a verdict on their outing. They believed that a friendly tournament was quite different from a competitive match. According to Joe Erico, a former Nigeria international, achieving such results ahead of a major championship like the Under-20 […]

While some soccer enthusiasts hailed the performance of the team, others said it was too early to give a verdict on their outing.

They believed that a friendly tournament was quite different from a competitive match.

According to Joe Erico, a former Nigeria international, achieving such results ahead of a major championship like the Under-20 World Cup is a welcome development.

“It will boost the confidence of the players when the main competition begins in September in Egypt,’’ he said.

Bright Omokaro, also a former international, attributed the wide goal margin against Kenya to cohesion in the team.

“The Flying Eagles have cohesion and that is an indication that Nigeria will do well in the U-20 World Cup in Egypt.

“Having a cohesive team like that is good for the country,” the former Bendel Insurance of Benin player said.

However, Fabio Lanipekun, a former Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) sports reporter, said it was too early to predict a good outing for the team in Egypt.

He advised the NFF to organise more competitions for the players to enhance their performance at the U-20 World Cup.

“Adequate preparations for world championships the world over requires that more of such competitions are organised for the team to ensure that they are in top shape.

“The more of such competitions the players are exposed to, the better for the country,” Lanipekun said.