Nigeria’s U-20 nationwide staff head coach Aliyu Zubairu says solely victory can be ample in opposition to high-flying Colombia as his staff seeks to qualify for the knock-out stage of the competitors.
The Flying Eagles endured a stuttering begin to their marketing campaign, opening with a irritating 1–0 loss to Norway courtesy of a first-half VAR-awarded penalty. However they roared again into competition with an exciting 3–2 win over Saudi Arabia, a efficiency that reignited perception and left qualification for the Spherical of 16 inside attain.
Nigeria sit third in Group F with three factors from two video games, trailing leaders Colombia, who’re unbeaten. A win for the Flying Eagles would assure passage to the knockout section. A draw may suffice relying on different outcomes, however a defeat would nearly definitely finish their event.
We simply should take the three factors
Talking forward of the make-or-break conflict, the El-Kanemi Warriors tactician reduce a decided determine.
“Our continued keep on this event depends upon the match in opposition to Colombia, which implies we simply should take the three factors,” Zubairu mentioned. “Now we have to remain on this competitors and the boys comprehend it. Each little bit of our preparation is concentrated on successful this recreation if we really wish to proceed.”
Zubairu additionally mentioned that his teaching workers have been reviewing Colombia’s matches to craft a successful recreation plan, although he saved the specifics below wraps.
“Now we have watched them, and we all know each their strengths and their weaknesses,” he mentioned. “Since this interview is being printed, I received’t go into particulars, however we’re mapping out methods to take care of each. The gamers are conscious of what’s at stake. It’s three factors or nothing.”
READ ALSO: E1 Grand Prix: Rafael Nadal’s staff leads Drogba’s, others in Lagos tourney
Stakes at their highest
Nigeria, two-time U-20 World Cup finalists, are below stress to return to the worldwide stage’s latter rounds after an underwhelming end on the final version. Zubairu, appointed after guiding El-Kanemi Warriors within the NPFL, has constructed a younger aspect able to explosive attacking soccer, however inconsistencies have left their marketing campaign on a knife-edge.
Colombia, in the meantime, have been one of many standout groups of the event, topping Group F with a mixture of tempo, energy and technical high quality. A draw could be sufficient for them to advance as group winners, however Zubairu is adamant his Flying Eagles won’t play for a stalemate.
With the knockout phases looming, midnight’s conflict in Chile is greater than a gaggle match; it’s a take a look at of Nigeria’s pedigree on the youth stage and an opportunity to maintain their goals alive.
