Nigerians react toward Beijing Olympic Games soccer draws

LAGOS, April 21(Xinhua) -- Mixed reactions have started to trail the Beijing Olympic Games draws involving Nigeria's male and female soccer teams.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, some have expressed confidence that the male team U-23 could have an easy ride into the knock out stages, some others say the same cannot be said of the female team, Falcons as they would face a formidable opposition.

Segun Odegbami, ex-international, described the fixture held in China on Sunday as a good one for the Nigeria U-23 team based on the quality of players in the team.

He said Nigeria in group B alongside, Netherlands, pan and the U.S. is an interesting draws for the U-23 team adding Nigeria is the team to beat in the group.

Odegbami, who said he was basing his assessment on the quality of players in the team, predicted that national team would go beyond the first round in their group.

He had his reservations in the female group, as they might not be that lucky being grouped alongside Brazil, Republic of Korea and Germany.

Spokesperson for the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Demola Olajire also described the draws involving the male team was a good one.

"The chances of the team are bright in the group but the team will not underrate any opponents," he said.

On the female team the NFA spokesman said it was a challenge saying "NFA and National sports commission (NSC) will fortify the two teams to be able to face the uphill tasks," he said.