Obuh Eyes History, As Eaglets Go For Fourth Title
From Christian Okpara, Abuja
Golden Eaglets Coach, John Obuh, was all smiles yesterday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, during the final press conference to herald today's championship clash between Nigeria and Switzerland.
Obuh's happiness stemmed from the fact that "I have proved that given the opportunity and a little encouragement Nigerian coaches can go places in international football."
The coach, who said he was sure his wards would come good even when they struggled against Germany in the opening game, told journalists at the conference that today would show the world that his wards were the best collection of Under-17 boys in this championship.
He is not only certain that his team would beat Switzerland to become the first country to win the competition four times, he is also thrilled that after so many 'troubles' his boys would be rewarded with the crown.
According to Obuh, "so many negative things have been written about my team, but the boys have always been focused in the service of Nigeria. We have seen the Swiss team, and I can assure Nigerians that we will retain the trophy tomorrow (today)."
Obuh did not totally write off the Swiss, who like Nigeria, is a high scoring side. Rather, he thinks that today's game would be a befitting final between the best teams of the World Cup.
"Everyone has seen that Switzerland have some serious qualities, so we'll have to give everything we have to win. We've worked very hard to be able to defend our title and win a second consecutive World Cup. We're going to do everything we can to keep our trophy here for two more years."
Switzerland coach, Haris Seferovic, says his ambition is to become the first Swiss coach to win a FIFA World Cup final, adding that his boys were primed for success today.
According to Seferovic, "We're in great form. If we play in the final as we've been doing up until now, we are almost unbeatable. Now that we're in the final, we'll do everything we can to go home with the trophy
"The best teams of the world came here for just this trophy and the fact that we survived some of the toughest matches of the competition, winning with high margins, shows that we are not a team to be discarded just like that.
"There is no pressure playing against Nigeria in front of Nigerians in Abuja. My boys are eyeing history and no intimidation from the crowd can stifle their desire to become champions."
Like Nigeria, Switzerland is eyeing the record books as winners of this competition in its maiden appearance. To get thus far, Switzerland survived a tough group where it beat Brazil, Mexico and Japan to qualify for the knock pout stages, where it also downed Germany, Italy and Colombia to make the final.
Nigeria, which was almost written off by its fans after the hard fought 3-3 draw with Germany, Since their fantastic comeback to draw 3-3 with Germany in their opening match, the has not looked back since that opening day scare. Armed with a substitute, Sani Emmanuel, whose boots are filled with goals, the Golden Eaglets have swept aside every obstacle before them.
As Emmanuel put it yesterday, "Nigeria will win this competition by the grace of God and the support of Nigerians. We want to complete the joy of Nigerians this weekend after Super Eagles qualification for the World Cup. Our opponents are very strong but we are better. Switzerland cannot stop Nigeria."
