Obuh focused on World Cup qualification
- Details
- Category: Sports
- Written by .
- Hits: 707
Flying Eagles coach John Obuh says his first order of business at the African Youth Championship is to qualify Nigeria for the U-20 World Cup in Colombia.
Nigeria are favourites, along with Ghana whom they play in their opening group game of the tournament, but Obuh says he has more immediate concerns.“Of course we are aware that people are saying we are the favourites for the title, but that is still a long way for now,” Obuh told KickOffNigeria.com. “What I am thinking of now is to qualify the team for the World Cup first, because Nigerians will not accept anything less. After that, we can focus on the trophy.”
Ghana are expected to provide stern competition for the Flying Eagles from the group stages all the way to a potential final, but Obuh says the only reason he has the Black Satellites in his sights is because they are his opening opposition.
“We are taking it one game at a time. We don’t think of Ghana in the final. We think of them as our first opponent. If we meet them again anywhere else, we will play them as our next opponent. But we will not be focusing on them because there are other teams in the competition.
“We respect Ghana because they are the defending champions and also the world champions. And I know they respect us too. But we are not afraid of anybody.
“We have prepared well for this tournament and my boys are sharp and ready to go.”
Articles
Obuh focused on World Cup qualification
Category: Sports Written by . Hits: 707
Flying Eagles coach John Obuh says his first order of business at the African Youth Championship is to qualify Nigeria for the U-20 World Cup in Colombia.
Nigeria are favourites, along with Ghana whom they play in their opening group game of the tournament, but Obuh says he has more immediate concerns.“Of course we are aware that people are saying we are the favourites for the title, but that is still a long way for now,” Obuh told KickOffNigeria.com. “What I am thinking of now is to qualify the team for the World Cup first, because Nigerians will not accept anything less. After that, we can focus on the trophy.”
Ghana are expected to provide stern competition for the Flying Eagles from the group stages all the way to a potential final, but Obuh says the only reason he has the Black Satellites in his sights is because they are his opening opposition.
“We are taking it one game at a time. We don’t think of Ghana in the final. We think of them as our first opponent. If we meet them again anywhere else, we will play them as our next opponent. But we will not be focusing on them because there are other teams in the competition.
“We respect Ghana because they are the defending champions and also the world champions. And I know they respect us too. But we are not afraid of anybody.
“We have prepared well for this tournament and my boys are sharp and ready to go.”