Soccer News of Thursday, 16 November 2000

Source: p.m. news (lagos)

Duamlong Scared of Ghana, Cameroon

Chief Coach of the Flying Eagles, Ben Duamlong, is scared of the frightening prospect of being paired alongside Cameroon and Ghana ahead of next year's Africa Youth Championship (AYC) scheduled to hold in Ethiopia.

The Flying Eagles sweat-merchant who confided in P.M.Sport stated that he is looking forward to a good draw for the African Youth Championship, adding that he will be particularly glad if his team is not paired in the same group with Ghana and Cameroon.

"In every human endeavour, you sometimes need luck to survive. Not that we cannot beat Ghana and Cameroon, but I know it will be good for Africa if we are not grouped together", Duamlong said.

Asked about the preparation of his team for the championship, the former Plateau United handler disclosed that the team will still stay in Benin, while the players who are presently with their respective clubs will resume training in two weeks time to begin intensive preparation for the AYC.

He further stated that the International Department is currently compiling names of foreign-based players who will be invited to beef up the team as soon a possible "Though, we don't want too many foreign-based players, those doing well will be invited," Duamlong concludes.

Nigeria won bronze and silver medals respectively at the 1985 and 1989 U-21 World Cup. But since then, the team has failed to live up to expectations.