Chief Coach of the national Under-20 team, the Flying Eagles, Emmanuel Amuneke, has warned players not to be complacent in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) U-20 qualifier against Sudan in Khartoum on Friday, July 8.
He gave the warning in the wake of their brilliant successes in friendly matches.
“It is true that we recorded victories in our friendly matches ahead of the qualifier but that is not enough for the players to be complacent in the qualifier against Sudan.
“There is no push over anymore in football and that is why we must not take chances in our approach before and during the qualifier.
“As far as I am concerned, there is still a lot of work to be done in the team and we will continue to work and work to ensure that we qualify for the U-20 African Nations Cup holding in Zambia,” he said.
The Flying Eagles defeated the Rio Olympics-bound team under the watchful eyes of Coach Samson Siasia 4-2 at the National Stadium, Abuja upper Saturday but Amuneke was modest in victory.
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) First Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi, said the match has given him assurances that the future of Nigerian football is indeed very bright.
NFF Second Vice President, Shehu Dikko, praised the Flying Eagles for its display and admonished the coaches to keep up the good work to ensure Nigeria beats Sudan and qualifies for the U-20 Nations Cup.
Spectators also showered praises on the youthful but enterprising Flying Eagles players who gave all present something to savour with close marking, fast counter attack, neat dribbles, and brilliant goals.
Siasia admitted that the better team won, saying he still has a lot of work to do for Nigeria to excel in Rio.
The Flying Eagles had defeated Okagbue FC 2-1 and thrashed Lion Stars 4-0 before the 4-2 victory over the Olympics team, the second triumph over the team since it qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games.