Former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu has advised the coach Manu Garba-led coaching crew of the Flying Eagles to work on enhancing a formidable defense for the Nigerian under-17 side ahead of the 2013 FIFA World Cup in the UAE.
The ex-Portsmouth striker believes with a solid defense, Nigeria can build on its runner-ups position at the CAN Under-17 Championship in Morocco last April and emerge victorious on the World stage.
Kanu, who was a winner 20 years ago at the Japan 1993 edition reportedly, said the coaching crew should ensure that the team is built around solid defenders to have a realistic chance of winning a record fourth title on the global cadet competition.
“There is no doubt that the team did well in Morocco but they can even be stronger at the World Cup by making sure the defense is solid too,” said the 1994 African Footballer of the Year.
“You know I’m in love with the present Golden Eaglets and I’m confident they would do very well at the World Cup in the UAE.”
“What is needed is to have a more solid defence and they (the coaches) can build the rest of the team from there,” he added.
The team is presently camping in Calabar and has been joined by Golden Eaglets’ assistant coach Emmanuel Amuneke, after completing his UEFA PRO License course in Spain recently.
