Golden Eaglets’ defensive midfielder, Abdullahi Alfa, has assured Nigerians that the team is focussed on returning to Nigeria with the FIFA Under-17 World Cup trophy after thrashing Mexico once again this Friday in the final of the tournament.
“We saw them play before our semi-final, and they looked strong against Argentina,” said the midfielder. “We’re hoping for a repeat performance [of the group match]. In football it’s difficult to make predictions but, God willing, we’ll beat them again. Mexico can make all the changes they want, but it will be the same team we faced in the group stage.”
Alfa is clearly not one for mincing his words.
Some may interpret it as overconfidence, but the midfielder simply believes his team are on an unstoppable run of form.
The Football College Academy youngster vowed: “I promise our people back home that we will bring back the trophy. Yes, I can promise that.”
On his adopted style of play, Alfa, who was born in the Niger Delta region, stated: “That’s the way I like to play. I need to keep a cool head and pivot in all directions to start our attacks. Andres Iniesta is my role model. I love the way he plays, turning this way and that to receive the ball and to initiate moves.”
