Bernice Larryoboh
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria will seek to secure their spot at the next FIFA U-20 World Cup when they lock horns with the ambitious U-20 Ugandan team at 6pm (Nigerian time) on Thursday at
22,000-capacity Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt.
The make-or-mar encounter which will prove to be a tough litmus test for the Isah Bosso’s side guarantees not only a place in the semi-final stage of the ongoing U-20 AFCON but
a ticket to Indonesia to represent African at the U-20 World Cup slated for July 2023.
With so much at stake, a thrilling clash is expected between the Flying Eagles and the Hippos on Thursday.
The Coach of the Flying Eagles while speaking to the press earlier today said that he is confident of his team’s victory over the Hippos.
“We are aware that Nigerians are looking up to us to deliver. While our mission remains bagging the World Cup ticket, we are also eyeing the trophy, which is still a number of matches away. For the moment, we have Uganda in our view and we are working hard to see that we control proceedings on Thursday.”
Nigeria, a two-time silver medalist and one-time bronze medalist at the competition will seek to make another appearance at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals and clinch the gold.
They finished third in 1985 edition defeating USSR, the host nation, on penalties. Against Portugal’s U-20 side in 1989, the Flying Eagles lost 2-0 in the final to place second. Again in 2005 in The Netherlands, John Mikel Obi’s mastery could not win them the trophy as Lionel Messi’s Argentina emerged winner in the Final match. The final duel ended 2-1.
