Nigeria
is through to the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup after getting
the better of Uruguay in a fine 2-0 victory in the last eight. Among
their outstanding performers was goalkeeper Dele Alampasu, who has
endeavoured to learn from past mistakes as he continues to make himself
at home on the world stage.
There was no mistaking the Golden Eaglets’ dressing room in the
bowels of Sharjah Stadium on Saturday, the African hopefuls united in
expressing their euphoria following another impressive demonstration of
force. Laughter and cries of joy escaped from inside as their imposing
No1, standing nearly two metres tall, exited to share his thoughts with
FIFA.com.
“They’re the toughest team we’ve faced so far,” said Alampasu, fresh
from playing his part in eliminating La Celeste. “They’re good
tactically and very disciplined. They switch well between long balls and
short passes, and we had to be very focused.” The South American side
certainly tried everything to find a weakness in their rivals’
rearguard, only to come up short, and several Uruguay players shed tears
of anguish when they conceded the second goal ten minutes from time.
Dele Alampsu (Pictured in the Middle) and Teammates Express Profound Appreciation in Al Ain. Getty Image.
Leader at the back
Nigeria’s leader at the back was all smiles, in contrast, having
silenced the likes of Leandro Otormin, Francis D’Albenas and Franco
Pizzichillo. “I had my eye on those three in particular,” he said. “I
forbade my team-mates from letting them shoot. I kept telling them to
stay on top of them and block their efforts. I shouted at my defenders a
lot to adjust their positioning and marking.”
The custodian had to do more than simply use his voice, however,
notably producing an excellent double save in the first half before
killing off any suspense with a solid showing at the end. “It’s my job
to save my team, to save my country,” he said. “We’re all fighting to be
the best we possibly can and do something big in this tournament.”
