Go for early goals, Izilein charges Eagles

By  KATE OBODO

Former Eaglets’ coach Godwin Izilien has urged the  Super Eagles to go for early goals against the Wasp of Rwanda  in the reverse fixture of the 2013 Nations Cup  qualifier at the  U.J. Esuene Staduim in Calabar today.

The former Falcons coach who expressed happiness with Stephen Keshi’s rebuilding  process  said the only way the Eagles could disarm the Rwandese is to score as many  goals as  possible.

“Honestly speaking, I’m delighted with the recent moves in the national team,” Izilien said in a phone interview, adding, “ I really want the team to qualify without much struggling. Rwanda shouldn’t pose a problem for us but the rash reality is that there are no minnows in football any more. It will also do the team a whole lot of good  if they utilise the chances that come their way.

Reacting on the late goal conceded by goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama in Saturday’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Malawi, the former Falcons coach said, “ I think they should put that  behind them and see how they can improve in Saturday’s game. I think Enyeama made a mistake and has learned from it therefore, they need to be focused and determination is the key.”

He urged Nigerians to support the team rather than criticise them. “When you talk about the greatest critics in the whole world, Nigerians are number one. That we drew in Malawi is an opportunity for the players  to make amends in Saturday’s (today) game. If we had lost that game, hell would have  been let loose.

“I know Nigerians are still sulking from the late draw  but then this is a fairly new team  and I think Keshi is on the right track,” Izilein said.

A win would ensure Nigeria moves to the next round of the 2013 Nations Cup qualifying stage.