Golden Eaglets’ coach Manu Garba believes his team would get better as the tournament progresses despite a 5-0 win against Iraq at the Rashid Stadium in Dubai on Friday.
The Golden Eaglets put up a near virtuoso performance by scoring four goals in the first half and the last in the second half as they dominated the Iraq that only made their first appearance at this
level.
But speaking at the post match conference, Manu said Iraq should be proud of their performance at this championship despite losing all their three matches at this competition.
“Iraq gave their best and I want to commend them,” Manu said.”But despite our victory, we have noticed some lapses too which would be corrected as we move on.”
Manu said there is room for improvement for the Golden Eaglets since they did not get some quality friendly matches during their pre-tournament camping.
He said, “We would get better as the tournament progresses and as I said earlier, we did not have any quality friendly matches before the start of the tournament and I believe we can always get better,” noted
Manu who added that the team would be ready for the knockout stages irrespective of the opposition.
Meanwhile, Golden Eaglets’ Obasi Chigozie has described his goal against Iraq as the best of his career.
Obasi who came in as a second half substitute for Chidiebere Nwakali, who scored the second goal in a 5-0 win over the Asians, said the experience would be unforgettable.
“I feel so great for being able to score today,” said Obasi, former Under-15 players who is a great fan of Olamide-Nigeria celebrated singer.” Though I scored a goal when I was in the Under-15 but I’m so thrilled about this particular goal because it was at the World Cup.”
Obasi said he dedicated the goal to his teammates and family members who has been supportive: “I’m dedicating the goal to my teammates because I considered myself lucky to be part of this team,” he said,” I also thank my family for the support.”
Coach Manu Garba (MFR) has some good words for the midfielder: “We are happy that Obasi came in and showed what he can do which is well commended,” said Manu in the locker room.
