Focus on World Cup, Dare charges Flying Eagles

The Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, has charged the Flying Eagles to put behind Monday’s semi-finals loss to The Gambia at the ongoing Under-20 Africa Cup of Nation (AFCON) and focus on the World Cup.

Dare gave the charge on in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Toyin Ibitoye.

He expressed regret over the team’s inability to play in the AFCON final but commended them for picking a World Cup ticket.

“The Honourable Minister encouraged the boys. Everybody is disappointed we didn’t make it to the final but that is football for you.

ALSO READ: CAFCC: See why Rivers United, Motema Pembe match failed to hold

“I believe they will redeem themselves by winning Friday’s third-place match.

“Now we have to also focus on doing a lot better at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Indonesia in May.

ALSO READ: EUROPA LEAGUE PREVIEW: Arsenal look to continue unbeaten run against Sporting Lisbon

“There is very little time left but I believe the coaches now know where their focus should be in improving the team,” the statement quoted Dare as saying.

The Flying Eagles lost 0-1 to their Gambian counterparts in the second semi-finals of the ongoing Under-20 AFCON played at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt on Monday.

Having lost the encounter, the Nigerian team will now square up against Tunisia on Friday in the third-place match.

Tunisia had also lost their semi-final match after they were beaten 3-0 by Senegal who now have a date with The Gambia in the final on Saturday.