Eaglets can’t afford to lose to Mexico – Amuneke

Nigeria coach Emmanuel Amuneke says the Golden Eaglets can’t afford to lose to Mexico in their Chile 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup semifinal encounter at Estadio Municipal in Concepcion on Thursday.

The star-loaded Nigeria were bundled out of the group stages at the Chile ’87 FIFA Under-20 World Cup at Estadio Municipal. The Flying Eagles lost 4-0 to Brazil, drew 2-2 against Canada and lost 2-0 to Italy in their final group game.

Nigeria are still haunted by the 28-year disastrous performance – and many Nigerians would be happy if the Eaglets beat Mexico to reach Chile 2015 final on the same pitch.

But Tunisia ’94 Africa Cup of Nations hero Amuneke insists he is not bothered about the national Under-20 team’s failure at the stadium, maintaining his charges would run out winners on Thursday to land   in Vina del Mar for the final on Sunday.

“We can’t afford to lose (at the same venue) to Mexico and this is an important game for us,”   the former Barcelona winger was quoted by the Nigeria Football Federation’s website as saying on Tuesday.

“Sincerely, I can’t remember anything about Chile ‘87 and I don’t want to be bothered about that.”

Nigeria and Mexico have only met thrice at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

The Baby El Tri beat the Eaglets 1-0 in their group phase match at Canada ’87. The Eaglets defeated the North Americans 6-1 in their 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates group encounter and hammered them 3-0 to win the title for the fourth-time.

“The Mexicans are a very good side and their performance so far at Chile 2015 is an indication that they have a very solid structure back home,” Amuneke added. “But we are working to ensure that the players are mentally ready for this big match.”

Mexico coach Mario Arteaga says he expects a tough clash against Nigeria on Thursday.

“Nigeria is a very good team, and we will prepare ourselves better to face their excellent attack,” he told FIFA.com.