Golden Eaglets Coach Backs Team To Beat Côte d’Ivoire After Niger Defeat

Golden Eaglets head coach Eboboritse Uwejamomere has expressed confidence that his team will recover from its opening loss to Niger Republic by defeating Côte d’Ivoire in Saturday’s(Today), must-win WAFU-B U17 Championship clash.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday at Stade du 4 Août in Ouagadougou, Uwejamomere said the squad remains in good spirits despite the setback and is determined to get the required result against the Ivorians.

He called on the players to stay calm, noting that Nigeria had previously lost opening matches at the 2018 and 2021 editions of the WAFU-B U17 Championship but still went on to qualify.

The coach described the Niger Republic defeat as a setback, but said the team is focused on overcoming it. He added that the technical team has been reminding the players of the game plan and has studied Côte d’Ivoire’s style of play, including their strengths and weaknesses.

Uwejamomere admitted there is some pressure because Nigeria must win the match, but said the priority is to keep the players composed and believing they can secure the needed result.

He also noted that the Ivorians are a strong and combative side, meaning the Golden Eaglets must match their fight and show greater desire for victory. He said he is confident the team knows what to do to beat them.

Nigeria lost 1-2 to Niger Republic on Wednesday, making Saturday’s encounter against Côte d’Ivoire a must-win. Côte d’Ivoire drew with Niger and enters the match with one point.