Eaglets Training Session Enters New Level

Golden Eaglets' training session was taking to a new level on Wednesday with intensive ball work by the players while the goalkeepers underwent agility test.

Emmanuel Amuneke, Head Coach, said it was important for the players to be put through new routine since there size is now manageable:"It is
about time we start reminding ourselves of what we used to do and I want the new ones to pay special attention to what we are doing.

The Under-17 national team is not a bunch of friends set up and anybody that is picked should be able to defend us very well; so serious work starts."

Unlike the last three weeks when they mere played to impress the coaching crew, the youngsters were able to show how strong they are on the ball in confined space. According to Kabiru Baleria, Golden Eaglets' Assistant Coach who was a gifted striker in his playing days, the rationale behind the new session was to see how the players can
effectively dominate the ball when under intense pressure.

"Apart from the passing drill, we can see the marking ability of the players," said Baleria who was sourced from three-time Premier League Champions, Kano Pillars."Now, it is easier for us to see much better how skilful thee players are unlike a situation whereby some would hide in full pitch."

On the other end, Emeka Amadi, Goalkeepers' trainer put his wards under challenging task including ball work, foot work, and endurance
test amongst others.

"The goalkeeping area is a crucial aspect and unfortunately, our young goalkeepers are not properly trained from their respective academies,"
said the German-trained Amadi, a former youth international."

But my objective is to ensure that any of the goalkeepers can man the goal post at any given time."

Presently, five goalkeepers picked from the screening exercise have joined the trio of Amos Benjamin; Ebuka Nwokeocha and Akpan Udoh who are already Golden Eaglets' set regular faces in serious competition for a place in the 21-man squad for Niger 2015.