The final time Nigeria’s Flying Eagles reached the ultimate of the FIFA U20 World Cup was in 2005 — a era in the past, when the likes of John Obi Mikel and Taye Taiwo impressed the crew to a silver medal within the Netherlands.
Since then, close to misses and early exits have outlined Nigeria’s story at youth soccer’s largest stage. Now, in Chile 2025, a brand new crop is set to rewrite historical past.
Amongst them is Suleiman Sanni, the thrilling AS Trenčín ahead, who spoke on the crew’s temper, ambitions, and private targets as Nigeria prepares to face Saudi Arabia, Norway, and Colombia on the group stage.
Requested in regards to the environment in camp and expectations for the match, Sanni’s confidence was unmistakable.
“Yeah, a variety of optimistic issues have been taking place within the camp. Such as you see the togetherness of the gamers and all of the officers. So every thing has been going nice. We’re in good condition, I can say. However we’re trying ahead to the match,” he stated.
He additionally make clear the mentality driving the squad.
“So it’s like a match of survivor of the fittest. So if we’re going to show ourselves there, then positively we’re going to be topped the winners. Undoubtedly, and hopefully, we’re optimistic about every thing and the way we’ve been coaching in keeping with the directions of the coaches.”
With 24 groups competing in Chile, Nigeria’s path will probably be something however straightforward. But, Sanni insists the Flying Eagles’ targets are clear and uncompromising.
“Our goal is to, such as you stated, Nigeria haven’t gotten to that ultimate for like 20 years, if I’m not mistaken. So our goal is to achieve there, to achieve the ultimate and take the match. Hopefully, we’ll be topped the champions. That’s our goal for this match.”
Flying Eagles on city
The Flying Eagles arrived in Talca on Thursday afternoon earlier than taking part on this yr’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals. Group F matches involving Nigeria, Norway, Saudi Arabia and Colombia will happen in Talca.
FIFA and Native Organising Committee officers acquired the two-time World Cup runners-up earlier than settling into their base at Resort Diego de Almagro. Later that night, the crew held a light-weight coaching session.
Nigeria wrapped up a 12-day coaching camp in Santiago, the place they confronted host nation Chile and Australia as a part of their build-up. They performed a 1-1 draw with Chile after which defeated Australia 3-1 in Santiago on Tuesday, which boosted morale earlier than the finals.
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The Flying Eagles open their marketing campaign towards Norway on Monday, 29 September at Estadio Fiscal de Talca, earlier than going through Saudi Arabia and Colombia of their remaining group fixtures.
For Sanni and his teammates, the burden of historical past will not be a weight however a supply of motivation.
To them, Chile 2025 is greater than a contest. It’s a probability to revive Nigeria’s legacy on the U20 World Cup and encourage a brand new era.
