24th March, 2014
Flamingoes’ assistant coach, Ann Chiejine, has assured Nigerians they would not get distracted by the 100 percent success recorded and finishing top of their group after progressing into the quarter-finals at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
Nigeria defeated Mexico with a deserved 3-0 scoreline with goals from Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu and Aminat Yakubu helping the African giants to leapfrog their opponents at the top of Group D and set up a quarter-final showdown with Spain.
In her reactions after the game, Chiejine insisted that the Nigeria U-17 women team would not be too overwhelmed by the victories recorded at the group stage as they are focused on approaching all their subsequent matches as if they are playing in the final.
“We will approach the match against Spain as if we are in the final,” the former Super Falcons’ goalkeeper said.
On what was behind the Flamingoes’ amazing start, the Nigeria’s assistant coach hinted that hard work and the quality of preparation they had before the tourney were the magic.
Meanwhile, Flamingoes’ winger Aminat Yakubu has stated that she and her teammates will be banking on God to record huge success at the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
Yakubu commended her teammates for their performance against Mexico and dedicated her award and goal to God.
Bearing in mind Nigeria are yet to progress past the quarter-final of the World Cup, she said: “We know God is behind us and He is going to do more great things for us at this tournament. With God on our side, we’ll fly past Spain.
“Mexico thought they are going to beat us, but with God and determination, we conquered them.”
Speaking on what Nigerians should be expect from the Flamingoes against Spain, the Rivers Angels’ attacker promised that she and her teammates will put in their best to advance to the semi-finals.
“We are going to step up our game in the quarter-final to secure the semi-final ticket,” she said.