Manu: ‘Winning will be my greatest achievement He has already won the world Cup as an assistant coach in 2007 but Golden Eaglets Head Coach, Manu Garba (MFR), said here that winning the trophy on Friday would be his greatest achievement ever. There is an extra motivation for me to win this trophy and it would be my greatest honour yet because in 2007 I was an assistant when Nigeria won this trophy, Manu said at the lobby of Abu Dhabi Hotel before heading for his last pre-match press conference at this 2013 UAE U-17 World Cup. Manus Golden Eaglets are hoping to become a record fourth titlist at this level following Nigerias previous win in 1985, 1993 and 2007. The team ramped up fantastic results along the way to reach their sixth final including a 6-1 defeat of defending champions as well as scoring a total of 23 goals-more than any team in the competition. Going into Friday’s final against Mexico, the Golden Eaglets have played a total of 48 matches; won 43, drew 4 and only lost once; scoring a total of 218 goals and conceded just 53. At the press conference proper, Manu reiterated that he would be the proudest and happiest man on earth if God can crown the efforts of almost two years with a final victory against Mexico on Friday. He said: “This team has played the best football since we started this journey and even at this tournament because we are playing total football. “Of course, I have won this trophy before but winning it on Friday by beating Mexico would be the best moment of my coaching career. “None of the players that I brought here play in the Nigerian domestic league and I and the rest of the coaching crew had to groom this team from the scratch. He admitted that the Final Match would not be a one-way traffic for the team tagged the Nigerian Marauders by Emirati Newspapers since the Mexican would be eyeing a revenge after their last 6-1 defeat. Mexico would be looking for revenge but we are going to a win this match because we want to set the record as the best team in the world at this level, Manu explained.We respect Mexico for what they have been able to do at this World Cup but our prayer is that God will crown our efforts tomorrow,” said Manu. ....Scot referee Craig Thomson to handle Match Scottish referee, Craig Thomson along his compatriots Derek Rose and Alan Mulvanny has been picked by FIFA as officials for the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 Final Match between Nigeria and Mexico at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Thomson has been a match official since 1988 and has officiated in the Scottish Premier League since 2002. The fourth official is Nobert Hauata from Tahiti while Mark Rule of New Zealand would be the Reserve Assistant Referee. Golden Eaglets in the meantime, would don the white jerseys while the El Tri would be on green. The match will kick off at 8:00 pm local time (5:00pm Nigerian time). Awoniyi pays tribute to Eaglets Captain Striker Taiwo Awoniyi has identified teammate and captain, Musa Muhammed as one of the factors behind Golden Eaglets sterling performances. Muhammed has been an inspired choice by coach Manu Garba (MFR) because he combines the names of two prophets and Awoniyi said there couldnt have been a better captain than the Kano-born defender. Without any doubt, Musa Muhammed is my best player not because on and off the field, he is a leader, Awoniyi said of Muhammed who has scored twice at this FIFA Under-17 World Cup UAE 2013. In a survey conducted amongst the players, Awoniyi noted that Muhammed has perfectly played his role as captain well because of an innate humility which is second to none. Cool, calm and collected, Muhammed has played more matches than any player in the Golden Eaglets and Awoniyi stated that Muhammed has impressed everyone because he makes no bone about it. Muhammed is a born leader, Awoniyi said matter-of-factly.You can hardly know that he is our captain because he doesnt show it at all. On and off the pitch, Musa is a leader because he regards us as friends and teammates, added Taiwo. Taiwos view is equally shared by first choice goalkeeper, Sunday Alampasu who maintained that Muhammed exemplary conduct was worth emulating “I will pick Skipper as our best player not only in this tournament but overall because he welcomes all of us with open arms when we came into camp,” said Alampasu. Musa is a very good guy indeed and I wish every one of us can be like him. Meanwhile on the margin of the official photo shoot for the two skippers contending for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup final on Friday, Muhammed has predicted victory for the Golden yet again. “It is great to be involved with this, “said Muhammed after a feel of the trophy at the bank of the Abu Dhabi Intercontinental Marina. “ There is no way we would allow this trophy to be taken by Mexico on Friday and Insha Allah (by the grace of Allah); we are going to win this trophy.” -- I think sportsmanship is knowing that it is a game, that we are only as good as our opponents and whether you win or lose, to always give 100 percent.-Sue Wicks Morakinyo Abodunrin Media Officer, Golden Eaglets Of Nigeria
Posted on: Fri, 08 Nov 2013 06:02:12 +0000
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