Salutes team’s World Cup Qualification
By Kareem Yusuf
Former Flying Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, has urged Nigeria’s U-20 national team to be focused on today’s semi-final clash against the Amajita of South Africa and not to be complacent following their qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Siasia who nearly won the FIFA U-20 World with the Flying Eagles in 2009, commended the current team’s achievement, noting the significance of securing a place at the global tournament.
“They have done very well in qualifying for the World Cup, which is very important,” the former Super Eagles’ striker told Brila Fm. “This has been a good exposure for the young players, just like we saw with Victor Osimhen, who made the most of his opportunity and is now excelling.”
The former national team coach, stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and building on their success when they face South Africa today.
“They shouldn’t relax now. Every match going forward is crucial one mistake, and you’re out,” Siasia warned. “You can’t get to this stage(semi-final) and not aim for the final. That wouldn’t make sense.”
He further advised the players to adhere strictly to their coaches’ instructions and make better use of the scoring chances they create.
“The key is to prepare better, play smarter, and listen to your coaches. They must correct their mistakes and stay sharp. That’s how they’ll go far,” he added.
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In a related development, the list of the 24 teams to compete at the 24th FIFA U-20 World Cup to be staged in Chile between September 27th and October 19th is now completed with African quartet.
Two-time World Cup runners-up and one-time bronze-medallists , Nigeria will lead the African challenge that also includes Egypt, Morocco and South Africa.
Ghana, the only African country to have won the championship (when Egypt hosted in 1999), failed to reach this year’s global finals after penalty shoot-out defeat by hosts Egypt in the quarter-finals of the ongoing African finals.
Nigeria lost to Portugal in the final of the 1989 championship in Saudi Arabia, and to Argentina in Holland in 2005. After losing their semi-final tie to Brazil in 1985, the Flying Eagles defeated host nation USSR after penalty shoot-out to pick up the bronze medals.
ALL THE FINALISTS FOR CHILE 2025
Chile (hosts) , Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Korea Republic, France, Italy, Spain, Norway, Ukraine, USA, Mexico, Panama, Cuba, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, New Zealand & New Caledonia.