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Four-goal hero in the 12-0 aggregate win over the Diamond Zebras of Botswana in a two-legged international friendly in Calabar, Ifeanyi Matthew has vowed to score the goals that will fire the Golden Eaglets to win the title of the Caf Under-17 for titl3e championship in Morocco.
Nigeria last won the continental cadet competition in 2007 en route to global acclaim at the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Korea. Matthew is bullish of his teammates' ambition and determination to write their names in gold.
"I'm so happy that I was able to score four goals in the two matches against Botswana," stated Matthew.
"All the four goals were very good and importantly it helped us achieve our goal of winning the matches against Botswana.
"Monday was the first time I scored a hat-trick in a match and that memory would stay with me because they were all quality goals."
Matthew characteristically struck a 25-yard volley that left opposing Botswana's goalkeeper, Ezekiel Morake in a pitiable state but to the delight of fans at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
"Of course, everybody has been talking about my second goal in the second match on Monday but it did not come by chance. This is as result of constant practice and training by our coaches," he explained.
"Our focus now is the competition in Morocco and by the grace of God, we won't disappoint Nigerians."
The lad has been one of the side's regulars but he reckons that nobody is guaranteed a shirt yet in the team hence any player can deliver the goods if given the chance.
"The good thing about our team is that we're all very good and our coaches are never satisfied with our performances," he noted.
"Right in the dressing room after the match, we were told about our mistakes despite the fact that we won 9-0. So there are huge expectations from everybody but we're praying not to disappoint Nigerians in Morocco," he said.
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