Egypt 2025: Focused Flying Eagles Aim for FIFA World Cup Ticket - Zubairu

Egypt 2025: Focused Flying Eagles Aim for FIFA World Cup Ticket - Zubairu

By Admin

Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu has expressed that Nigeria’s U20 team, the Flying Eagles, is highly focused and determined to secure a victory against Senegal to qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup finals this year, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

The Flying Eagles remain unbeaten in their Group B campaign, finishing second behind Morocco's U20 team.

Consequently, they must travel to Ismailia for their upcoming match against Senegal, the reigning champions, who also placed second in Group C, alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, and the Central African Republic.

Of the 19 teams in the tournament, only eight remain as contenders. Tanzania and Zambia were eliminated from Group A, while Tunisia (despite having three points) and Kenya were knocked out of Group B.

The Central African Republic also failed to advance from Group C. On Saturday, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), urged the Flying Eagles, who have won seven titles, to adopt a new mindset when facing the Cup holders on Monday afternoon.

“I have no doubt in your ability to rise to the occasion. Monday presents that opportunity because you’re not only competing against the defending champions but also fighting for a win that will qualify you for the FIFA World Cup. The primary goal for any team in the qualification process for a larger tournament is to qualify, followed by the goal of winning the trophy,” he stated.

The NFF, along with the entire Nigerian football community, is fully supportive of the team and expects them to repay this encouragement and prayer with a World Cup ticket on Monday.

In a previous encounter two years ago, Senegal narrowly defeated the Flying Eagles 1-0 in their opening match of the CAF U20 Championship at the Cairo International Stadium.

Senegal went on to claim their first title by beating Gambia 2-0 in the final, while Nigeria secured third place in that tournament. Nigeria knows it cannot afford to hold back in this match, as only the semi-finalists will have the chance to represent Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile later this year.

The Flying Eagles narrowly missed the semi-finals at the last FIFA U20 World Cup held in Argentina two years ago.

Historically, Nigeria has had success against Senegal in this tournament, achieving a 3-1 victory over the host nation ten years ago in the opening match of the CAF U20 Championship, followed by a 1-0 win in the final that earned them their seventh continental title.

Additionally, Nigeria’s U23 team won the Africa U23 Cup of Nations in Senegal in December of that same year, qualifying for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

However, Senegal will remind Nigeria of their 2-1 victory in the Round of 16 during the FIFA U20 World Cup finals held in Poland six years ago.

On Monday at the Suez Canal Stadium, the Flying Eagles must demonstrate strength, skill, and creativity against a Senegalese team known for capitalising on unexpected opportunities.

 “We know what to expect. It is a significant match for both teams, as the winner will qualify for the World Cup. Given the rivalry between our two nations, we must maintain discipline and determination throughout the match. We are prepared to do just that,” Coach Zubairu remarked during the team’s first official training session in Ismailia on Saturday.

While the defence has generally been solid throughout the campaign, aside from a momentary lapse that allowed Kenya to score their second goal on Wednesday, much will be expected from Nigerian striker Kparobo Arierhi, who has only scored once in the tournament so far.

Arierhi was anticipated to lead Nigeria’s offensive efforts, having previously scored three goals at the WAFU B U20 Championship in Lome and netting a pre-tournament goal against the Young Pharaohs of Egypt.

However, his only goal in this tournament thus far came as an equaliser against Kenya.

Captain Bameyi, who scored his first competitive goal from the penalty spot against the Rising Stars, will be crucial in defence, along with Odinaka Okoro, Chigozie Ihejiofor, and Adamu Maigari, providing support to goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.

Zubairu must decide whether to start Divine Oliseh in midfield alongside Clinton Jephta and Israel Ayuma, or retain Simon Cletus.

Notable forwards such as Arierhi, Auwal Ibrahim (whose only goal secured three points against Tunisia), Ezekiel Kpangu, Precious Benjamin, and Mendos Rickson are also vying for starting positions.