Former Golden Eaglets coach, Alphonsus Dike has called for caution in the side’s semifinal clash against the Amajimbos of South Africa.
The reigning world champions will challenge the South Africans for a place in the final of the ongoing African Under-17 Championship in Niger Republic on Wednesday.
Eaglets garnered seven points to top Group A while South Africa finished second in Group B behind Mali.
Dike said Eaglets must be at their very best on match day to be able to outsmart the equally good South African side.
“Unarguably, South Africa are a good side, the country’s football has been on the rise in recent time.
“It’ll certainly be a difficult encounter for both sides but the side that persevere and maintain 100% concentration will go home victorious.
“That means Eaglets must be 100% careful in their approach to the game as well as remain at their very best.
“I believe Eaglets will win at the end of the day but they must not underrate the opponents or lose even a second concentration.
“Absolute concentration is the watchword throughout the duration of the encounter,” said the former Enugu Rangers coach.
Dike however is uncomfortable with the head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke reported outburst that World Cup ticket is key as far as the cadet championship is concerned.
“The comment is capable of making the players complacent especially in semifinal clash against South Africa.
“The coach needs to quickly work on the players’ morale and psyche as the championship title is worth winning in addition to the World Cup ticket.
“Eaglets should win the title and head to the world stage as African champions, it’ll give them added respect at the global arena,” said the former Nasarawa United coach.
The semifinalists at the African Under-17 Championship have automatically qualified to fly the continent flag at the 2015 Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Chile.
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