Based on his perception of Nigerian football, the New Zealand coach, Stephen Cain would have loved to establish a relationship between his adopted country and Nigeria to boost the development of youth soccer in both countries.

But his dream would be terminated for now until after today’s encounter between the Eaglets and New Zealand U-17 side to determine qualifiers for the hotly contested quarter-finals.

“I am in love with the way the game is worshipped in Nigeria, no doubt and I’m thinking of collaboration already. But the focus is on today’s match. My players will learn a lot playing against Nigeria and, I know Nigeria won’t have an easy game. We won’t throw in the towel against anyone. We’re ready,” he said.

His Nigerian counterpart, John Obuh told africansportsdigest.com that they cannot afford to lose at this stage after going through the learning process already.

“We want this ticket more than they do. And ready to throw in everything at stake to ensure that this game does not slip out of our fingers. We’re go all out contesting because New Zealand are hard fighters and never give up easily.”

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