We’ve been monitoring Iran —Eaglets

OCTOBER 28, 2013 

Nduka Ugbade

Golden Eaglets assistant coach Nduka Ugbade says the  team have been working on plans to beat Iran in their UAE 2013 FIFA  Under-17 World Cup Round of 16 clash in Al Ain City on Tuesday, after monitoring their last game.

The Eaglets, who have won the  tournament  three times, face a tough task to beat the hard tackling   Iranians  to reach the quarterfinals.

“We have been keeping tabs on all our likely opponents and I paid so much attention to the game between Iran and Austria on Friday,  which they won 1-0,” the former Super Eagles defender,  who captained Nigeria to win the maiden edition of the Under-17 World Cup in China  in 1985, said.

“The Iranians are a good side no doubt, but with all modesty, we should be able to cope well against them.”

The Tunisia’94 Africa Cup of Nations winner said the  Eaglets were  determined to win the tournament for the fourth-time, saying the players would give their best against Iran.

Ugbade hailed the team’s attacking game, which has yielded 14 goals in the competition so far, saying the Eaglets would not rest on their laurels.

“Of course, we are getting better since we defeated Mexico (6-1)   and the boys  did well against Iraq on Friday with a 5-0 win,  but  I have no doubt that we would overcome the Iranians if we can correct some specific lapses we have noticed,” he said.

Meanwhile, chief coach  Manu Garba says his team still have some problems, despite their 5-0 hammering of Iraq on Friday.

 “Iraq gave their best and I want to commend them. But despite our victory, we have noticed some lapses too, which would be corrected as we move on,” Manu said.

“We would get better as the tournament progresses. We did not have any quality friendly matches before the beginning  of the tournament and I believe we can always get better.”