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The Young All Whites line up - Source: ONE Sport -
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Nigeria will not be taking New Zealand for granted when they meet in the second round of the under-17 World Cup in Abuja, Nigeria, on Friday (NZT).
Their coach, John Obuh, has revealed he has a great deal of respect for the New Zealanders ahead of a match which will reward the winners with a place in the quarterfinals.
"It's not just like any other game for us because we are now in the knockout rounds and if you lose, you are out," Obuh said.
"It will be a mistake to underestimate them because they are a very determined side. We have seen some of their games and they are a team that never gives up until the last whistle."
An unyielding spirit was a hallmark of coach Steve Cain's New Zealand team through the group stage when they registered successive 1-1 draws against Costa Rica, Burkina Faso and Turkey.
Against Turkey, they had to wait until the first minute of injury time before grabbing a spectacular equaliser through Jack Hobson-McVeigh, which ensured they became the first New Zealand soccer team to advance to the knockout round of a Fifa competition.
Nigeria advanced after drawing 3-3 with Germany and beating Honduras and Argentina to finish top of group A.
