Kanu Drums Support for Golden Eaglets to Win World Cup.

Former Super Eagles skipper Nwankwo Kanu has tipped the Nigeria under-17 side, Golden Eaglets, to make it past the group stage of the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirate (UAE).

Nwankwo Kanu.
Nwankwo Kanu.

Kanu was one of the few players who witnessed Monday’s draw ceremony at the Hotel Fairmont Bab AL Bahr where the Eaglets were drawn in Group F alongside Mexico, and debutantes, Iraq and Sweden.

The former FIFA U-17 World Cup winner in 1993 lauded the world football governing body for recognising his achievement at world youth football level.

“I’m happy that FIFA noted my previous achievement at the U-17 World Cup as we won it in 1993,” the two-time African Player of the Year said.

“But I’ll be happier if the present squad go all the way to win the championship again in the UAE.”

Nigeria opens their campaign against defending champion, Mexico, on October 19 and moves on to play Iraq and Sweden on October 22 and 25 respectively.

“I have great confidence in this team and I want to implore the coaches to drum it to the ears of the players that winning the first game against Mexico is very important.

“Winning that first game against Mexico will boost their confidence and I believe that will set the tone for every other thing they will do at the competition,” Kanu added.

“We have to belief that these boys can do it, I mean winning the World Cup in the UAE.

“But we must support them positively with words of encouragement, prayers and by the grace of God I will be there to lend my own support.”