04 August 2011
Coach John Obuh has now said his Flying Eagles wish to finish top of Group D in the U20 World Cup after overpowering Croatia 5-2.
Both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have recorded six points apiece, but the African champions are top of the first round group having scored more goals than their closest rivals.
The Flying Eagles have netted 10 goals as against the eight by the Saudis.
Both teams will clash Saturday night in neighbouring Pereira to determine with overall winners of this section.
A draw will see Nigeria finish top of Group D to meet the third best from Group B, E or F.
“Armenia has been a very good hunting ground for us and so we will do everything to ensure we top our group and stay put in Armenia in the second round,” said Obuh.
Two-goal hero Uche Nwofor agreed with his coach that the Flying Eagles will aim to top their group.
“We want to beat Saudi Arabia even though we know that a draw will put us top of the group,” said Nwofor, who came off the bench to score twice against Croatia.
“We want to go all the way in Colombia and so we will work on getting the easier route in the knockout stage.”
Olanrewaju Kayode put Nigeria in front after 25 minutes, before five minutes later Terna Suswan doubled the advantage with a rocket of a shot from outside the box that beat Croatia goalkeeper Matej Delac hollow.
The Croats pulled a goal back through Ivan Lendric three minutes from halftime off a free kick.
Nigeria top star Ahmed Musa then extended their lead on 62 minutes, only for Croatia to fight back four minutes later, again off a free kick, as Andrej Kramaric fired past goalkeeper Dami Paul.
“I did not like the goals we conceded,” admitted coach Obuh.
“But I was not worried because I knew we will win the game.”
Nwofor, Goal King at the AYC in May, the came off the bench to grab a double, in the 69th and 73rd minutes.
They were both a striker’s goals and showed that despite scoring 10 goals in two matches, the Flying eagles still have more in the tank.
Croatia coach, Ivan Grnja, conceded Nigeria were the better team with their physical presence and speed.
“Nigeria were strong and have some good players. We struggled physically and only about two, three of the players could cope with the pace and power of the Nigerians,” said a subdued Grnja.
However, the coach said they will fight on against Guatemala in the last group game.
Croatia will be missing “a key player” Zvonko Pamic after he picked up his second booking on Wednesday.