Gideon Ayogu
31 July 2011
THE national U-20 side, the Flying Eagles, will kick-start their campaign to claim the only age grade world title that has so far eluded the country when they take on Guatemala in their curtain-raiser today.
The Eagles, who arrived Colombia on Monday, have been putting finishing touches to their preparations after partaking in a four-nation invitational in Panama.
The John Obuh-tutored side will be hopeful of getting their campaign off to a flying start against the Central Americans who are making their debut in the competition.
Obuh, who will be looking to make it second time lucky after guiding the Golden Eaglets to the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2009, has maintained his confidence in the ability of his charges to do the country proud and end the nation’s wait for a first World U-20 crown.
The coach has a full squad to choose from, with forward Terry Envoh, who is struggling with a thigh complaint, the only likely absentee.
The African champions will rely on their high-pressing and quick passing game to unsettle the young Chapines of Guatemala at the Estadio Centario, with the trio of Ahmed Musa, Omoh Ojabu and Sani Emmanuel likely to feature in the coach’s attacking plans.
With Croatia and Saudi Arabia the other teams in the group, the Nigerian flag bearers are widely tipped to advance to the latter stages and stake their claim for a first World title at this level.
The Eagles have quickly become the toast of local supporters since their arrival in Colombia, with home fans turning out in large numbers to watch the team’s training sessions.
Cameroon, Egypt and Mali make up the continent’s other representatives at the biennial football event.
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