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Saturday, November 07, 2009
Controversy Won't Distract Me, Says Eaglets' Skipper
From Olalekan Okusan, Kaduna
IN spite of the hue and cry over the age saga hanging on his neck, Golden Eaglets skipper, Fortune Chukwudi says he would remain focused in his quest to lift this year's FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Chukwudi told journalists after leading the Eaglets to a 5-0 bashing of New Zealand in the round of 16 match played at the Abuja International Stadium on Thursday, that the rumour over his age is distracting, saying his aim is to become the fourth Nigerian to lift the cup.
"I thank God we were able to follow up on all our finishes against New Zealand and for me, I will not be distracted by a rumour that is not true. This does not have to affect me because I know it is not true. This is not in my mind because I don't have anything to do with this. My aim is to ensure that we lift the trophy," he said.
Chukwudi has been engulfed in controversy following a recent write-up by former international, Adokiye Amasiamaka, who alleged that the player is over-aged for the competition.
Meanwhile, as the Golden Eaglets arrived Calabar yesterday ahead of Monday's quarter-final match against Korea Republic, striker Stanley Okoro says the Asians would not be a big threat to Nigeria's aim for a successful defence of the title.
"We believe we are going to win the cup and we are fully prepared to work hard for it to make it a reality, just like what our predecessors did in Korea 2007. Although I have not watched the Koreans before, I know they will not stop us at this stage of the competition.
"Being a supporting striker, I am saddled with the responsibility of supporting the main strikers, which I have been doing. But if I have the chance, I am willing to score more goals, " Okoro said.
He however dismissed insinuations that he has been playing under pressure, saying: "I have not been playing under pressure and with God on our side, we are indeed going to repeat the feat achieved by our predecessors in front of Nigerians."
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