The Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, has called on the Flying Eagles to let go of Monday’s semi-final loss to Gambia in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and focus on the World Cup.
Dare made the allegations on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media, Toyin Ibitoye.
He expressed his regret for not being able to play in the AFCON finals but praised him for picking a World Cup ticket.
“The honorable minister is rooting for the lads. Everyone is disappointed not to be in the final, but this is football for you.
“I am sure they will redeem themselves by winning the third place match on Friday.
“Now we must also focus on doing better at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Indonesia in May.
“There is a little bit of time left, but I believe the coaches now know where to focus to improve the team,” said Dare.
The Flying Eagles lost 0-1 to fellow Gambians in the second semi-final of the U-20 AFCON held at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt on Monday.
After losing that match, the Nigerian team will now face Tunisia on Friday in the third match.
Tunisia also lost their semi-final match after being beaten 3-0 by Senegal who now have a date with Gambia in the final on Saturday.