Golden Eaglets coach, Nduka Ugbade, has made a revelation saying that youth football is won psychologically and not by technicality of the coach.
The gaffer stated this during a post-match press conference on Sunday. The Golden Eaglets started their AFCON U-17 tournament with a win against Zambia. And their coach, has now revealed the reason behind the victory.
The first half of the Zambia game ended in a stalemate with Nigeria dominating most of the possessions. And the Nduka Ugbade boys created a lot of chances but failed to convert in the first period.
However a second 76th minute strike from Favour Daniel was the only goal of the tournament. Favour reacted first on a lose ball deep inside the Zambians’ box. And struck past the goalkeeper to give Nigeria the lead.
Speaking after the match, Ugbade said youth football is about development, and that’s why coaches often shout on the sidelines.
Nduka Ugbade Explains Golden Eaglets Secret Against Zambia
“When you’re talking about the youth, development is what you’re talking about. You must be expecting a lot of errors,” he told NFF TV.
“The game was wonderful, the game was very difficult for us. And at the end of the day, we got the victory.”
Read also: AFCON U-17 : Why Light Eke Missed The Penalty – Coach
He continued; “With due respect to all the teams that came for this competition. It’s very very important you win your first match.
“Because you know, youths football ruled by psychology and not technicality or discipline, or peaceful condition you play. So, you can see it today, with a lot of wrong passes and being shouting on the lines. This represents a way forward, so that at the end of the day of we can win one more match, then we’re a guaranteed to let’s say the quarterfinals.”
The former FIFA youth World Cup winner, also paid tribute to the Zambian team that died in a plane crash about three decades ago.
Also, defender, Yahaya Lawali, who won the MVP award for the Zambia clash, dedicated the award to his teammates.
“I am really delighted and this means a lot to me. Being named man of the match in the first game for the team is a massive encouragement,”Lawal told CAF Online .
“This is not my trophy, though.” he continued.
“l”It belongs to the team; the coaches, the staff and my teammates. We all worked hard for this.”
Speaking further, the 16-year-old admitted that the Zambian team is a good side, hence, they had a tough game.
“It was a really tough game because Zambia are a good side. The little details gave us a win today. We scored when it mattered most and we defended well. It has given us motivation for the next game,” he retorted.
Nigeria will come against Morocco on Wednesday at the Mohammed Hamaloui Stadium Constantine. And a win will guarantee them a place into the quarter-final.
