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By Johnny Edward.
Football-loving Nigerians have raised concerns over the chances of the Flying Eagles qualifying from the ‘Group of Death’ at the forthcoming 2023 U-20 World Cup in Argentina next month, Saturday PUNCH reports.
The U-20 World Cup kicks off May 20 and ends June 11 in Argentina, after Indonesia was stripped of the hosting rights due to protests over the participation of Israel.
The Flying Eagles, runners-up on two occasions (1989 and 2005) are pitted in Group D alongside five-time Brazil, Italy and Dominican Republic after the draw ceremony held at the Home of FIFA in Zurich on Friday.
Ladan Bosso’s side will have to step up their skills to overcome Brazil, who they have never beaten at the tournament in five previous meetings and the Italians.
The best result Nigeria got in matches against Brazil at the U-20 World Cup were the goalless draw in 2005 and the 1-1 stalemate in 2013.
The biggest of Nigeria’s three losses to Brazil was the 4-0 crash-landing at Chile ‘87.
That had been preceded by the 3-0 loss at Mexico ’83 and 2-0 in the Soviet Union in 1985 in the semi-finals.
They met Italy once in 1987 and lost the encounter 2-0.
While some fans admitted the team must dig deep to earn results against their group opponents to stand a chance of advancing from the group phase, others believe they will struggle to make an impact at the tournament, considering the pedigree of their group opponents.
Former Flying Eagles captain, Lukman Haruna, believes the experience of Bosso will steer the team past the group phase.
“They are in a very tough group, sincerely,” Haruna told Saturday PUNCH.
“But that does not mean they won’t qualify to the round of 16. They just need to prepare well and take their chances. They have an experienced coach at the helm who can guide them through this, so I’m backing them to advance.”
Former U-23 midfielder, Akeem Ogunlade, also believes Bosso’s team must not be underrated ahead of the tourney despite their unimpressive display in Egypt.
The 47-year-old said, “You cannot just rule out the Flying Eagles just like that because of their performance in Egypt (U-20 AFCON) even if they did not impress.
“The good thing is that preparation has started and we’re still in with a very good chance. We have the ability and the players to win games if the right things are done.”
SuperSport football analyst Ralph Chidozie-George, however, admits that it will be tough.
“Bosso has NFF mandate to win the U-20 World Cup, but I know that it will be very tough for him and the team.”
Fans also voiced their opinion on social media platforms, with majority writing off the U-20 side.
@Chinonso_great, wrote on Twitter, “The plan is just simple, beat Dominican Rep like 9-0, don’t lose too heavy against the Brazilians and the Italians. Qualify as best losers and exit the competition in the Round of 16.”
Paul Odimegwu also backed the Flying Eagles to advance from the group.
“The Italian side is not too spectacular. We just need to beat Dominican Republic and Italy, we are through to the round of 16, but that Brazilian side and someone must beg them not to take it personal because the result could be a bit funny.”
Emmanuel John added on Twitter, “That name Nigeria alone is gone. They will only get one point in that group and that will be a draw against the Dominican Republic. They won’t get results against Italy and Brazil.”
Eddie Ekpo wrote on Twitter, “The will be going on a tour of Argentina to play three games and return. They don’t have the talent and quality to compete at that level.”
Meanwhile Ume Emmanuel and Tochukwu Nnadi of Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv have received call-ups to the Flying Eagles, according to a statement on the club’s website on Friday.
“Botev’s footballers will leave for Nigeria immediately after visiting the “canaries” of Slavia in a round of 27 matchday fixture of the First League on April 24 (Monday).”
The Flying Eagles, who finished third at the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt last month, are one of four African teams to compete in the finals, alongside Senegal, Gambia and Tunisia.