By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
Nigeria’s U-20 men’s national football team, the Flying Eagles, will open their campaign at the FIFA U-20 World Cup with a clash against Norway on Monday.
The Group C encounter, scheduled to take place at the Estadio Único in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, is seen as a crucial test for the Ladan Bosso-led side, who are aiming for a strong start in the tournament.
“We know how important the first match is. Starting well gives confidence and sets the tone for the rest of the group stage,” head coach Ladan Bosso told reporters before the team’s final training session.
The Flying Eagles, who finished third at the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt, have been fine-tuning their tactics in training camps, with particular emphasis on defensive solidity and quick transitions. The squad includes standout players such as Daniel Daga, Samson Lawal, and Ibrahim Muhammad, who were instrumental in the team’s qualification.
“We have prepared very well. The boys are motivated, and we are not underestimating any team. Norway is strong, but Nigeria has a tradition of doing well at this level,” Bosso added.
This will be the first time Nigeria faces Norway in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Norway, making only their third appearance at the tournament, are regarded as underdogs but boast promising talents from European leagues.
Nigeria, on the other hand, have a rich history in the competition, having finished as runners-up twice (1989 and 2005) and reached the semifinals once.
The Flying Eagles are drawn in a competitive Group C alongside Norway, Italy, and Brazil. Only the top two teams in the group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage.
Team captain Daniel Bameyi expressed optimism ahead of the opener.
“This is a big opportunity for us to show what we can do. We know Nigerians are watching and expecting a good performance. We are ready to give everything on the pitch,” Bameyi said.
Nigeria is one of Africa’s most successful nations in youth football, and expectations are high for the Flying Eagles to make a deep run in Argentina. Football analysts say that beyond results, the tournament will also serve as a platform for young Nigerian players to showcase their talents to international scouts.
The match against Norway will kick off at 7:00 p.m. Nigerian time.
