2014U-17WWC: Obi Ogbala urges Flamingoes to finish in Group D

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Former Nasarawa Amazons coach Obi Ogbala has challenged the Flamingoes to secure the group’s qualification ticket against match day 2 tie opponents Colombia on Wednesday in Alajuela.

Nigeria overpowered China 2-1 in a match day 1 encounter at the ongoing Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica early on Thursday morning while their next opponents, Colombia, suffered a heavy 0-4 defeat to the Mexicans in the Group D first fixture in Alajuela.

Ogbala said the Azerbaijan 2012 quarterfinalists should concentrate on picking up the three points against the South Americans and forget about the outcome of the duel involving leaders Mexico and China.

“The Flamingoes must first and foremost secure their group qualification with a win against Colombia on Wednesday not minding the outcome of the tie between Mexico and China.

“Victory against Colombia will see the Flamingoes amass six points guaranteed for the knockout stage even before the last group game against the North American side, Mexico.

“I see the Flamingoes going up with more than four unreplied goals against the Colombians once they’re able to work on their finishings.

“Against China in the championship’s first game they were a bit jittery in ball possession and their finishing was poor.

“At least they have a clearer understanding of their match day 2 opponents and should be able to raise the standard of their game.

“They don’t have problems with goalkeeping, defence or in the midfield. They must become better on the attack.

“Let them strive hard to earn a win against Colombia as the last game against Mexico may turn out to be a mere formality,” Ogbala told supersport.com.

Victory against Colombia on Wednesday will guarantee the Nigerians one of the group tickets to the next stage of the biennial global football showpiece even if they win, draw or lose in the last game against Mexico.

Nigeria are second on the log on three points, the same as Mexico who top the table on superior goals.