The Nigerian U-20 team, Flying Eagles, is gearing up for their first match of the 2023 U-20 World Cup against the Dominican Republic. Despite not underestimating their opponents, the team is confident in their ability to secure all three points in the match.
The team’s head coach, Ladan Bosso, and his assistants have been preparing the players for the match, and they had a familiarization visit to the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza, the match venue, on Friday evening.
The team had two friendly matches in Buenos Aires, winning one against an Argentine club and drawing with the Colombia U20 team, which is also taking part in the tournament. The results have given the team confidence, and they are determined to win against the Dominican Republic on Sunday.
The team has been training in Mendoza, with Bosso supervising a two-hour programme on Thursday and another session on Friday. Victor Eletu, an Italy-based youngster, has joined the squad and is expected to strengthen the team’s midfield, supplying the forwards with the necessary passes to score goals.
Bosso is likely to field the same squad that started the friendly against Colombia, with Chijioke Aniagbosos in goal, Daniel Bameyi, Solomon Agbalaka, Abel Ogwuche, and Benjamin Frederick in defence, and Ibrahim Muhammad, Samson Lawal, and Jude Sunday upfront. However, Emmanuel Umeh, who scored in both friendlies, could start against the Dominican Republic.
The Flying Eagles are seven-time African champions and are determined to win the World Cup. Victory over the Dominican Republic will be a crucial step towards achieving their goal.
