Erstwhile junior international, Nwankwo Kanu has enthused that the Golden Eaglets would qualify from their Preliminary Group F at the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the UAE everything being equal.
Kanu, a graduate of the FIFA under-17 World Cup, was one of the few players highlighted during Monday’s Draw Ceremony at Hotel Fairmont Bab Al Bahr where the Golden Eaglets were drawn along Mexico; Iraq and Sweden in what has already being described as an ‘interesting and exciting group’ by Coach Manu Garba.
“I’m happy that FIFA noted my previous achievement at the Under-17 World Cup because we won it in 1993,” Kanu said. “But I would be happier if the present squad go all the way to win the championship gain in the UAE.”
The Golden Eaglets go into the championship as one of the favourites for being winners on three previous occasions; according to former General Secretary of CAF and FIFA’s Head of Competition, Mr. Moustapha Fahmy who conducted the Draws.
The Nigerian team would open its account with a top of the drawer fixture against defending champions, Mexico on October 19 with two other matches against Iraq and Sweden on October 22 and October 25 respectively.
“I have great confidence in this team and I want to implore the coaches to drum it to the ears of the players that winning the first game against Mexico is very important,” said the two-time African Footballer of the Year. “Winning that first game against Mexico would boost their confidence and I believe that would set the tone for every other thing they would do at the competition.”
He further rallied the support of Nigerians towards the team’s success at the World cup.
“We have to belief that these boys can do it, I mean winning the World Cup in the UAE,” he noted.
“But we must support them positively with words of encouragement and prayers; and by the grace of God, I would be there to support the team.”
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