U17 World Cup: What The Golden Eaglets Players Are Saying Ahead Of Meeting With European Champions

Five-time world champions Nigeria and back-to-back European champions Netherlands were considered two of the pre-tournament favorites ahead of the U17 World Cup but one team will head home on Wednesday morning, with both teams set to do battle at Estádio Olímpico, Goiânia.

Touted as one of the stars in the Golden Eaglets squad, ABS frontman Kunle Olusegun has yet to find the back of the net in three starts in Brazil, but believes the players will show their quality against the European opponents by converting their chances.

Speaking to reporters including allnigeriasoccer.com, Olusegun said : ''I know we are going to do very well because we are a strong side and I know that we are going to play well because in our last training we have been trying to improve which is going to show in our next game.

''We will convert all the chances that we will create and also the defence is compact and will mark everybody out, I think we won't concede any goal, we will play very well.''

Goalscorer against Australia, Peter Olawale acknowledged that Netherlands are a team with pedigree and the Golden Eaglets must play as a unit to overcome the European champs.

The number 12 stated : ''Right now, the game will be very tough because they are a very tough side but as an attacker it's not about me scoring the goal, it's about the team progressing, how we play as a team from the defence line to the attack.

''I believe anybody can score a goal, so it's about we all progressing. Netherlands is very strong side and we are also a very strong side.

''They won the Euros twice and we have won ours also severally, so I believe if we play as a team, come together, put our heads together in one unity, we will definitely progress to the next round''.

Handed the famous Golden Eaglets number 10 jersey previously worn with pride by the likes of John Obi Mikel, Kelechi Iheanacho and Kelechi Iheanacho, Peter Agba has yet to taste action at the World Cup and he is backing his teammates to emerge victorious so long as they listen to the coaches' instructions.

Agba said : I think the game will be a good game, we are unstoppable so long as we can play as a team, so long as we can listen to the coaches instructions because already they have given us the instruction, it is for us to put in into action.

''I believe in the team and Nigeria, we have talented players, I know we will play as a team in the game and we will come out victorious.

''I trust everybody that is playing and we on the bench will be supporting and if  given the opportunity to play we will go out there to show what we have.

''With our  talents I know we can beat Netherlands, it doesn't matter if they have won the Euros twice, that's not our business, we are Nigeria, we are champions and we can still win again.

''I believe in everybody - the players and coaches - and by God's grace our efforts will be crowned by God and we will come out victorious.''

Nigeria finished first in Group B with six points, winning their opening two matches against Hungary and Ecuador, while Netherlands won only one of their group matches and lost two against Japan and Senegal.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : fifa.com