The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has applauded the Golden Eaglets for their 2-0 defeat of the U.S. in their first group match at the ongoing FIFA under-17 World Cup in Chile.

Golden Eaglets Victor Osimhen on target

The Eaglets produced two second half goals through Chukwudi Agor and Victor Osimhen, to beat U S., to get to the top of Group A of the tournament.

Mohammed Sanusi, General Secretary of the NFF told NAN in Abuja on Sunday that the team had all it takes to win a fifth title for the country.

“The team should realise that any team at that tournament is there to beat Nigeria to take the trophy; they should also realise that Nigerians are eagerly waiting for them to bring the trophy back.

“We have created enabling environment, administratively, for them to do well, while the coaches will do the technical aspect.

“They should not work under pressure but they should play their game and take their matches as they come because no game is more important than the other.

“They should not underrate any team and should not allow scouts to distract them,’’ Sanusi said.

The NFF scribe described the Eaglets as the team to beat, expressing the hope that the team would also triumph over host nation Chile when both sides meet on Tuesday in their group’s second match.

He said: “we are not afraid of any team; we are a team to beat because other teams are chasing us.

“We know what is at stake and we have never been afraid of any team at this level in spite parading the youngest team in this competition,’’ he said.

In his reaction, Paul Hamilton, a former coach of Super Eagles, urged the team to remain focused on the task at hand to retain their crown.

He urged the players not to allow the euphoria of the first match to derail them.
“It is a great result and opener for the boys, it will help them to build confidence.
“But, they must concentrate on winning the remaining group matches to enable them to go further in the tournament,’’ Hamilton said.

Also, Tunde Badejo, a banker and Golden Eaglets supporter, said that he was impressed with the U-17 team’s performance against USA.
He prayed that the team would sustain the momentum with more wins and reclaim their title.
“Although, they have a tough group, I believe if they can concentrate, they will really go further in the tournament,’’ Badejo said.

In his reaction, Bright Omokaro, a former Super Eagles defender, said he was happy about the performance of the U-17 team, urging them to focus on their subsequent matches.
“When the going is good, we are all happy; football is the only thing that keeps we Nigerians happy, so I hope they will win their coming matches,’’ Omokaro said.
Also commenting, Nkechi Iwenofor, a business woman and football fan, said she was happy with the boys’ win against USA and advised them to win other matches.

“I am happy that we won the match against US; it was a good performance, but they must win other matches to win the title again,’’ Iwenofor said.

The U-17 team will face hosts Chile on Tuesday in their second tie.