Golden Eaglets Battle Sweden, It’s the Cup or Nothing, Says Manu

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, Sports News Tuesday, November 5th, 2013

Agency Reporter

Eaglets coach Manu Garba has said it will be the cup or nothing for his team at the U17 World Cup in the UAE.

Nigeria battle their counterparts Sweden in Tuesday’s semi-final for a place in the final.

Nigeria vs Sweden during their Group F match

“As an interim coach in 2007 when we were about leaving Nigeria for the World Cup in Korea, I told Nigerians that it’s the cup or nothing and I still maintain the same thing now because this team has come a long way and we cannot afford to fail,” Manu said.

Manu restated his confidence in his team.

“All my life, I have never entertained any fear and I don’t even know what fear means,” he said.

“Of course, I know that whatever happens is ordained by God, so I have no fear about Sweden.”

For Nigeria and Sweden, it would be a battle of familiar foes after their pulsating 3-3 draw in a Group F clash almost three weeks ago at the Bin Khalifa Stadium in Al Ain.

While Nigeria eventually topped the section with seven points, Sweden sneaked into the next round of the competition as one of the best first round losers after coming second with four points behind Mexico who had six.

“Group F was the most competitive at this tournament,” maintained Manu.

“Though the Swedes are a good technical side, I’ll still rate Mexico ahead of them for obvious reasons.

“Mexico beat Sweden 1-0 in the group and that was the same team that we beat 6-1, which shows that the Mexicans are a very good side because they are also in the semi-finals.”

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