Watch out for Eaglets in Chile – Rufai

Former Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper, Peter Rufai has pleaded with Nigerians not to crucify the Golden Eaglets for failing to reach the final of the ongoing Africa U-17 championship in Niger. The Eaglets who are the reigning world champions fell 1-0 to the Amajimbos of South Africa in a highly contested semi final duel decided Wednesday in Niamey.

But Rufai who runs the Staruf Football Academy in Lagos said the Nigerian representatives did their best but were not just lucky on the day. “They were good on the ball and made several attempts at goal. It was not just their day because they were not outplayed by their South African counterparts. He reaffirmed his belief in the team and the technical crew. “I still believe in the team and its technical crew led by Emmanuel Amuneke. They will surely make Nigeria proud in Chile. Watch out for them because when they get to the world stage, it becomes a different ball game,” Rufai said. But he charged the Nigeria Football Federation to cultivate the habit of early preparations for national teams before major tournaments. “Preparation for teams should be a routine business. Now we know they have the World Cup ahead, preparations should begin now.”