Flying Eagles coach Paul Aigbogun says his players are aware of the pedigree of Nigeria in the FIFA U-20 World Cup and cannot afford to underperform at the 2019 edition in Poland, reports Completesports.com.
The Flying Eagles are two-time runners up in the competition – 1989 and in 2005, and Aigbogun admits that a good start to their campaign will give the team a good chance of equaling the feat of their predecessors.
“We have a tough history to match. Silver medals on two occasions and bronze medal once, and a number of quarter-final appearances,”Aigbogun told thenff.com on Thursday.
“That’s why we must start very well, by taking the points against Qatar and then march on with confidence and self-assurance.
“We are flying the flag of nearly 200 million Nigerians, as well as that of the African continent. We have put a lot of work into building a squad that will make Nigeria and Africa proud.”
The Flying Eagles will take on Qatar in their opening match of Group D at the Tychy Stadium. Both teams have never met at this level before. The game kicks off at 5pm Nigerian time.
By Johnny Edward
1 Comment
I like the fact that, the coach is very much aware of Nigeria’s pedigree in the FIFA U20 world cup history, a two time runners up, a third place best team and couples of semis is never a fluke.
And that is the mentality he and his boys should carry into the competition, because other teams in this group by now should have gone to dig into our past records and current form, to help them know how the can curtail us.
Anything short of the final, Runner up, third place team or the semis, is not acceptable. Nigeria is not a push over in the U20 age grade competition.
Mr. Paul, my advise for you. Please, do not allow sentiment play into your selections.
Our first match is very important, if we win, the 3 point will boost our morale and confidence, and it will give us some sense of purpose in the remaining games ahead.
I wish you guys best of luck.