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By Anthony Nlebem.
Former internationals Mutiu Adepoju and Dosu Joseph have charged the Flying Eagles to go for victory against the Dominican Republic in their opening match of the 2023 U-20 World Cup campaign on Sunday (today), 7pm at the Mendoza Stadium in Argentina.
Nigeria, a two-time finalist in the U-20 World Cup, and seven-time African champion will be making its 13th appearance and determined to make history and clinch their maiden title.
Nigeria is drawn in Group D, one of the toughest groups which has five-time champions Brazil, Europe’s strong side, Italy, and debutant Dominican Republic.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s match, former Nigerian midfielder, Adepoju advised the Flying Eagles to go for the three points, noting that winning the first game of a tournament is very important.
“I will advise the boys to go all out and try and win the game because it’s very important to win the first game in any tournament,” Adepoju told Sunday PUNCH.
“The other two games against Italy and Brazil are very difficult games, that does not mean that they can’t win the games, but the first game against the Dominican Republic is a must-win”
Dosu, an Olympic football gold winner, also charged the Flying Eagles to take their chances and let their experience count.
” It’s a game they need to beat the Dominican Republic, when we talk about football nations, they fare a bit, ” Dosu told Sunday PUNCH.
“It’s an opportunity for the Flying Eagles to pick the three points before they play Italy and Brazil.
“They should take their chances and hope they get the three points.”
Head coach, Ladan Bosso. will be hoping his side secures their vital three points to begin the tournament on a bright start and brighten their chances of progressing to the next round of the competition.
In a build-up to the tournament, Nigeria played a 3-3 draw with Colombia in pre-World Cup friendly match and team coach Bosso expressed satisfaction with the performance of his team while assuring Nigerians of a successful outing.
“I am happy with the result. This will bolster the team mentally and psychologically for the World Cup starting in a few days. The match has provided us with a stiff test and has also strengthened us for the big task ahead,” Bosso told TheNFF.
“We are focused on the big challenge ahead, which is to put up a creditable performance that will match the pedigree of our country at this championship. Our ultimate target is to have a good campaign and with this result, we will be very ready for our first match against the Dominican Republic on Sunday.”
Dominican Republic will aim to make a statement in their tournament debut and the head coach Walter Benitez says getting a win against Nigeria will boost their hopes of progressing in the tournament.
“We have to study Italy and Nigeria, which is our first rival to try to find the best ways and get to those games with the best weapons and try to get the best possible result,” Benitez said.
“Our objectives are not only to participate but to compete in the best way, with our eyes set on the hope of being able to get through the group stage.
“We have to adopt good strategies and try to be able to take advantage in every game, so that is the main thing for us.”
In other fixtures in Group D, Brazil will lock horns with Italy at 10pm Nigeria time at the Mendoza Stadium.
After Sunday’s opener, Nigeria will play Italy on Wednesday, May 24, before rounding off the group stage against Brazil on May 27.