FIFA U-20 WC: Flying Eagles aim for winning start against Norway

By Tosin Omojola –

Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, will begin their campaign in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile today with a Group F game against Norway.

The Nigerian side will file out against the Norwegians at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca, in what will be the first-ever clash between both teams in the history of the tournament.

Nigeria, two-time finalists (Saudi Arabia 1989 and the Netherlands 2005), will be making their 14th appearance in the competition, which began as the FIFA U-21 Youth Tournament in Tunisia in 1977.

Norway, on the other hand, will be making their third appearance in the history of the championship.

Based on pedigree in the tournament, the Flying Eagles are far ahead of the Norwegians, hence soccer pundits expect the Nigerians to clinch victory, even though football is not mathematics.

Buoyed by their 1-1 draw against host nation Chile and 3-1 win over Australia in preparatory friendlies for the tournament, the Flying Eagles are brimming with confidence ahead of Monday’s encounter with Norway.

The Aliyu Zubairu-tutored squad will be banking on the experience of team captain Daniel Bameyi and midfielder Daniel Daga, who were part of the immediate past team that reached the quarter-final stage in Argentina two years ago.

The seven-time African champions will aim for victory to kick off their campaign on a winning note when they file out for the game scheduled to start at 5 p.m. (Chile time) and 9 p.m. (Nigeria time).