21st October, 2013
Former Super Falcons’ coach, Paul Hamilton has warned the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria not to celebrate yet despite recording a 6-1 victory over Mexico in their Group F opener, Saturday at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup holding in the United Arab Emirates, UAE.
Nigeria, three-time champions, left little to doubt when they defeated Mexico, the defending champions but Hamilton believes the Eaglets should postpone their celebration until they get the job done by returning to the country with the trophy.
Called “Wonderboy” during his heydays, Hamilton told the Eaglets to postpone their celebration and take the matches as they come. “It is not time for the Golden Eaglets to celebrate because there is still much work to be done, they have just started their campaign and there is every need to keep their heads down,” said Hamilton on a radio programme monitored early this morning.
Despite warning the Eaglets, Hamilton commended them for putting up a brilliant performance against the South Americans.
According to him Saturday’s match witnessed a brilliant performance by the Eaglets.
“That was a great result and a very good beginning for the U-17 team in their quest to win the cup,’’ he told News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.
Nigeria marked their 50th game at the U-17 World Cup in grand style. With the victory, they are now on top of their group F, ahead of Sweden on goal difference.
The former coach said that the result was expected considering the level of preparation they had been put through.
“I believe they prepared very well and their coach is highly experienced. This is what we expect from him,’’ he said.
“They should just keep it up so that they will go far in the competition, I have no fears, I’m impressed,’’ Hamilton added.
The Golden Eaglets will face Group F strong contender, Sweden, on Tuesday in Dubai.