Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are gearing up for a high-stakes showdown against Senegal in the CAF U20 Championship on Monday, May 12.
The winner of this crucial match will secure a spot in the FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile.
Nigeria’s Head Coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure a win, saying, “We know what to expect. It is a big match for both teams because the winner will be going to the World Cup.
“It is like a final match, and if you throw in the matter of the rivalry between our two countries, it means we must be disciplined and determined for the entire duration of the game.”
The Flying Eagles have been impressive in their campaign so far, finishing second in their group behind Morocco.
They will need to show strength, skills, and invention against a Senegalese side that has the ability to turn the table against the opposition when least expected.
The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, has charged the team to play differently against the Cup holders, saying, “I have no doubt that you have the ability to rise to the occasion.
“Monday is the occasion, because you are not only playing against the defending champions, you also must win to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.”
The match will be a rematch of the two teams’ encounter two years ago, where Senegal pipped the Flying Eagles 1-0 on their way to their first title in the competition.
However, Nigeria has a rich history of success against Senegal, having won the Africa U23 Cup of Nations in Senegal in 2015 and securing a 3-1 win over the host nation in the opening match of the CAF U20 Championship ten years ago.
Coach Zubairu will need to make some tactical decisions to ensure his team comes out on top.
The rearguard has shown some solidity in the campaign, but much will be expected of Nigerian striker Kparobo Arierhi, who has scored only one goal so far.
Persecondnews reports that Captain Bameyi will be expected to keep things tight at the back, while Divine Oliseh, Clinton Jephta, and Israel Ayuma will be vying for spots in midfield.
The Flying Eagles need to be disciplined and determined to secure a win and qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup.
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