Nigeria’s Flying Eagles return to the highlight on Thursday night time with their FIFA U20 World Cup hopes on the road as they tackle Saudi Arabia in Talca, Chile.
Either side misplaced their opening Group F video games by a single objective, however the nature of Nigeria’s defeat has left a sharper sting.
Painful begin for Nigeria
In opposition to Norway, the seven-time African champions conceded an early penalty however went on to dominate, bossing 65 per cent possession, firing 20 photographs, and rattling the woodwork greater than as soon as.
But the equaliser by no means got here. Striker Kparobo Arierhi lower a troubled determine as possibilities went begging, whereas playmaker Ayuma struggled to knit the midfield to assault.
For a staff with Nigeria’s pedigree, 13 earlier appearances, two-time finalists (1989, 2005), and solely twice failing to flee the group stage, Thursday night time seems like a redemption check.
Saudi Arabia dug in
Saudi Arabia, in the meantime, fought valiantly of their 1-0 defeat to Colombia, defending in numbers however repeatedly uncovered down the proper flank.
A single mistake in possession, punished by Colombia’s excessive press, proved expensive. Goalkeeper Hamed Al Shanqiti impressed between the sticks, however his backline creaked beneath fixed strain.
That is Saudi Arabia’s tenth U20 World Cup look. They’ve by no means gone past the Spherical of 16 however arrived in Chile as runners-up on the AFC U20 Asian Cup, bringing pedigree and grit to Group F.
Historical past on Nigeria’s facet
Historical past favours the Flying Eagles on this fixture. In two earlier U20 World Cup conferences with Saudi Arabia, Nigeria emerged victorious on each events.
In 1989, targets from Mutiu Adepoju and Christopher Ohenhen sealed a 2-1 win en path to the ultimate, whereas in 2011, Ahmed Musa and Olanrewaju Kayode struck in a 2-0 group-stage victory.
Such information matter. They remind the present crop, many making their World Cup debut, that this shirt carries expectation in addition to alternative.
Possible Line-Ups
Nigeria (4-3-3): Harcourt; Ochoche, Akinyele, Bameyi, Okoro; Daga, Ayuma, Agada; Maigana, Arierhi, Suleiman.
Saudi Arabia (4-4-2): Al Shanqiti; Nawaf, Mohammed, Harun, Aman; Ziyad, Bassam, Farhah, Haqawi; Al Khaibri, Al Ghamdi.
READ ALSO: CL Spherical Up: Gordon fires Newcastle to document win as Europe serves up an evening of drama
What’s at Stake
With Colombia and Norway already on three factors, a defeat for both Nigeria or Saudi Arabia may imply an early exit.
For the Flying Eagles, accustomed to creating the knockout rounds, something wanting victory can be catastrophic. Thursday night time isn’t simply one other group recreation; it’s a must-win showdown for satisfaction, progress, and the continuation of a legacy.
