Sani Suleiman, the dynamic forward for Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, is determined to help end the nation’s 20-year drought of reaching the FIFA U20 World Cup final as the team gears up for this year’s tournament in Chile, according to Soccernet.ng.
The last time Nigeria’s Flying Eagles made it to the final of the FIFA U20 World Cup was in 2005, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to an Argentina side led by a young Lionel Messi.
Since that memorable final, Nigeria has consistently qualified for the U20 World Cup but has been unable to advance beyond the semi-final stage in subsequent editions.
Suleiman’s Confidence in the Team’s Preparation
At just 18 years old, winger Sani Suleiman recently transferred to Slovakian club AS Trenčín following an impressive breakthrough season in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL). He is optimistic that the team’s cohesion and the thorough training under coach Aliyu Zubairu will be key factors in their quest for the title.
“There’s a great atmosphere in the camp,” Suleiman shared with Ademola Victor. “The players and staff are united, and everything is progressing smoothly. We’re physically and mentally ready, and we’re eager to compete. This tournament is about resilience and proving your worth. If we perform at our best, we believe we can lift the trophy. We’ve been disciplined in training and following the coach’s guidance.”
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been placed in Group F, where they will face Saudi Arabia, Norway, and Colombia. Their campaign kicks off against Norway on September 29 in Talca.
Ambitions for the Flying Eagles
The Flying Eagles’ last final appearance in 2005 ended in heartbreak against an Argentina team spearheaded by Lionel Messi.
For Suleiman, who earned the NPFL Rookie of the Season accolade after scoring 11 goals in 19 appearances for Akwa United before moving to Europe, this tournament represents a chance to rewrite history with the national youth team.
“Our goal is straightforward,” Suleiman emphasized. “It’s been two decades since Nigeria reached the final, and we’re determined to change that. We aim not only to get to the final but to win the entire competition and bring the trophy home. That’s the mission for this World Cup.”
With promising attackers like Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi joining Suleiman, expectations are high that the Flying Eagles will challenge the world’s elite and aim to return victorious.
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