29 July 2011
The Fifa U20 World Cup begins today in Columbia with one of Africa’s representatives, Mali taking on Korea Republic in the opening match of the tournament.
But Nigerians will focus their interest on what happens on Sunday, when the national U-20 team, the Flying Eagles face Guatemala in a Group D opener in Armenia.
This will be Nigeria’s eighth appearance on the global stage at this level – an African record. Their qualification for Colombia 2011 is a fourth successive trip to the FIFA U-20 World Cup finals.
The country has not done too badly as the Flying Eagles won a silver in Saudi ’89, and again in the Netherlands in 2005. Nigeria were also third in the old Soviet Union in 1985, when their squad included their current senior team coach Samson Siasia
Pundits however, believe if there was anytime Nigeria was qualified to lift the coveted trophy, the time is now. The John Obuh tutored team have had the best preparation by a Nigerian team, for a long time now. Aside that, majority of the team is made up of the FIFA U-17 silver-medal-winning team of Nigeria 2009 fame which incidentally, was midwifed by the same John Obuh.
Team captain Ramon Azeez has promised to defend Nigeria’s status in this age grade competition by beating Guatemala in the opening encounter.
Coach Obuh will be banking on the creative instincts of Ahmed Musa, Uche Nwofor and Sani Emmanuel to get the desired goals that will propel them to victory.
Ever consistent captain, Ramon Azeez will marshal the midfield while Terna Suswam, Felix Udoh and Kenneth Omeruo will provide the necessary cover for goalkeeper Dami Paul.
Guatemala’s qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011 represents an historic first for the central American country. While Los Chapines have twice appeared at the FIFA Futsal World Cup, qualifying in 2008 and hosting the event in 2000, they have only graced the finals of the Olympics, on three occasions.
If anything, Nigeria’s experience and her sterling record could intimidate the Central Americans into submission. Winning the first match of the competition would put the Eagles in a good stead to advance from the group stage.
The Nigeria/Guatemala match begins 9 pm Nigerian time.
Today
England vs Korea DPR 8.30pm
Argentina vs Mexico 11.30pm
Austria vs Panama 11.30pm
FIFA U-20 World Cup Fixtures
Tomorrow
Brazil vs Egypt
3am
Mali vs Korea Republic 11pm
Cameroon vs New Zealand 11pm
July 31
Colombia vs France 2am
Nigeria vs Guatemala 9pm
Costa Rica vs Spain 9pm
AllAfrica – All the Time