Ahead of Nigeria’s crucial encounter with Saudi Arabia on Friday morning, Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu and midfielder Daniel Daga remain steadfast in their confidence, according to Soccernet.ng.
Following a disappointing opening loss to Norway, Coach Zubairu has called on supporters to keep faith and offer prayers, while Daga assures that the team is fully prepared and determined to bounce back.
After a tough start to their FIFA U-20 World Cup journey in Talca, Chile, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles face a must-win situation against Saudi Arabia to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Currently at the bottom of Group F after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Norway, Nigeria’s hopes were dashed by an early penalty converted by Rasmus Holten. Despite controlling much of the game and generating several scoring opportunities, the Flying Eagles left the pitch empty-handed, with their appeals for two second-half penalties dismissed.
The loss has intensified scrutiny on Zubairu’s leadership, yet the coach remains optimistic about his team’s ability to recover.
“I have repeatedly asked our fans to pray for us. We won’t disappoint them. It’s important to move past the first game; we’re equally unhappy with the result,” Zubairu stated during the pre-match media briefing.
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Reflecting on the defeat to Norway, Zubairu emphasized the team’s commitment and effort:
“Anyone who watched the match can attest that the players gave their all to secure a win. Sometimes in football, despite your best efforts, the result doesn’t go your way.”
With Saudi Arabia also suffering a 1-0 loss to Colombia in their opening match, Friday’s showdown at Estadio Fiscal has become a pivotal battle for survival in the tournament.
Zubairu is confident his team will seize the opportunity:
“This is part of the game’s challenges, but I’m convinced we will secure six points from the next two matches to advance to the knockout stage.”
Midfielder Daniel Daga, who has been one of Nigeria’s key players, shared his coach’s positive outlook. The Molde FC star feels the team was unfortunate against Norway but is ready to rectify the situation.
“I’m confident because we lost a game we deserved to win against Norway. Saudi Arabia also lost their opener. Football is unpredictable, but we are fully prepared and determined to claim all three points,” Daga remarked.
He also made a heartfelt plea to Nigerian supporters:
“I understand the disappointment after the first match, but those who watched closely know we deserved victory. I ask our fans to remain patient, support us, and pray for us-we will strive to make the nation proud.”
Historically, Nigeria holds an advantage over Saudi Arabia in U-20 World Cup encounters, having triumphed 2-1 in 1989 and 2-0 in 2011. However, the focus remains firmly on the present challenge.
Zubairu has his full squad at his disposal and is expected to maintain his preferred 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing ball control and offensive pressure.
Notably, Israel Ayuma, Daniel Daga, and Charles Agada are each one booking away from suspension, adding extra stakes to this critical fixture.
The match kicks off at midnight Nigerian time.
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