'Wobbling & Fumbling' Flying Eagles Players Barred From Speaking To Media After Strong Criticism From Fans

A reliable source close to Nigeria's U-20 national team, Flying Eagles, have disclosed to allnigeriasoccer.com that members of the playing and technical staff of the team have been barred from speaking to the media apart from the mandatory news conference ahead of a game.

The Eagles coached by former Enyimba gaffer Paul Aigbogun played out a 1-1 draw against Ukraine in their last Group D game on Thursday evening after a 4-0 win and 2-0 defeat to Qatar and USA respectively which ensured they qualified as one of the four best group losers.

The general performance of the team has generated widespread criticisms from Nigerians who have called the Flying Eagles as the worst U-20 Nigeria national team.

This, and the fact that the ages of the players have been called into question have made the team less receptive to the idea of granting interviews.

"We have been told not to speak with the media. I am sorry I cannot respond to your questions," the source told allnigeriasoccer.com.

"Surely we know that it won't be easy now going into the knockout stages. I cannot speak with you on any other thing, please, I hope you understand," came the polite response.

The Flying Eagles will face Italy or Senegal in the Round of 16 stages on Monday.

Izuchukwu Okosi