Golden Eaglets’ technical crew has defended the decision to subject the players to strenuous fitness exercises.
Chief coach of the team, Emmanuel Amuneke, said the exercise became necessary in view of crucial assignments ahead.
Amuneke (middle) explains tactics to his boys during a training session.
“Football is all about techniques, tactics and fitness; so we need to put the players to test.
“We are gradually getting into the decisive stage of our programme; as such, it is necessary to know the condition and the players’ readiness for the challenges ahead,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has confirmed that its Under-17 national team would arrive Abuja on May 26 for a two-match friendly against the Golden Eaglets.
In a correspondence with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), EFA’s Executive Manager, Sarwat Swelam, informed that their contingent of 33 persons made up of 25 players and eight officials would touch down at Abuja International Airport aboard Egypt Air Number 877.
While the friendly matches against the Golden Eaglets would take place on May 28 and 30, the Egyptian contingent is due back in Cairo on May 31.
Thereafter, the Amuneke-tutored Eaglets are also expected in Cairo early July for a two-match friendly against their Egyptian counterparts.
The NFF-organised series of friendly matches are geared towards preparing the young lads for their 2015 CAN Under-17 qualifier against the winner of the first round match between Burundi and Congo.
The Eaglets, on account of their performance in 2013 as the continent’s second best team and world champions for a record fourth time, were drawn bye into the second round by Confederation of African Football (CAF).
