Obuh: We aim to keep the World Cup

Besides being the host nation, Nigeria are also defending the trophy they have won a record three times with the last triumph being two years ago in Korea. On Friday in the northern Nigerian town of Bauchi, the Golden Eaglets fought back from a goal down to beat Argentina 2-1 and finish top of Group […]

Besides being the host nation, Nigeria are also defending the trophy they have won a record three times with the last triumph being two years ago in Korea.

On Friday in the northern Nigerian town of Bauchi, the Golden Eaglets fought back from a goal down to beat Argentina 2-1 and finish top of Group A with seven points from three matches.

Obuh’s team responded almost immediately after Esteban Orfano scored for Argentina in the second minute with a fifth minute equaliser from Omoh Ojabu, before Sani Emmanuel converted a spot kick in the 72nd minute to seal a Nigerian victory.

“I am particularly happy with the performance of my players against a tough and quality side like Argentina. I am also elated with the way my boys responded after Argentina’s first goal. That shows character and seriousness on our part,” Obuh said at a post-match briefing.

“I believe this team will continue to improve from game to game. The victory against Argentina is good for the confidence of my boys and this would definitely place them in good stead to confront any other opponents we might face on our way to lifting the Cup.

He added: “Like I said before the tournament, our goal is to retain the Cup won by our predecessors in 2007. Now that we have overcome our earlier scare in the tournament, I think the boys are in good frame of mind to achieve this objective.”