As the world turns its attention towards Argentina while the FIFA U-20 World Cup begins today, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria would begin their quest to surpass their best finish in the foremost age-grade football tournament.
The two-time runners up have not won the elusive tournament despite the country winning the other two age-grade tournaments; a record five-time champions at U-17 level and a first African gold medal at the Olympics, a tournament for player under 23 years.
The Flying Eagles finished as losing finalist on two occasions, in Saudi Arabia in 1989 and in The Netherlands in 2005. They were bronze medallists in the USSR in 1985.
The Flying Eagles, who are drawn in a potentially ‘group of death’, will face debutants Dominican Republic at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza tomorrow before keeping dates with 2017 bronze-medallist Italy and five-time champions Brazil on May 24th and 27th respectively.
The players have been preparing in Argentina since last week. The Flying Eagles have played two friendly games in Argentina ahead of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Ladan Bosso’s boys defeated the Almirante Brown 3-2 last week Friday, then a 3-3 draw against Colombia on Tuesday.
Head coach Bosso said his wards are at the ready and are targeting a successful tournament in Argentina starting from their must win match against the Caribbean side tomorrow.
“We are focused on the big challenge ahead, which is to put up a creditable performance that will match the pedigree of our country at this championship,” he said in a recent interview with NationSport.
“Our ultimate target is to have a good campaign and with this result, we will be very ready for our first match against the Dominican Republic on Sunday.”
Nigeria would be banking on AC Milan’s Victor Eletu to provide the creative spark in the midfield although with just days to Nigeria`s first World Cup group stage game vs Dominican Republic, the 18-year-old is yet to report in camp and instead turned out for Milan U-19 in their 3-0 win over Hellas Verona U-19.
Eletu is a right-footed player who can play as a box-to-box midfielder or defensive midfielder different situations and is presently considered one of the top young midfielders in Europe, not only in Italy.
Eletu has played 37 times for the Rossoneri U19 this season, including making six appearances in the UEFA Youth League as AC Milan reached the semi-finals.
The defensive midfielder is strong on the ball and capable of receiving under pressure. He has an excellent passing range and is regarded very highly in Italy, as he has often captained the youth side. His inclusion in the side is a good choice by the Flying Eagles handlers, as he will add a lot of quality if he plays.