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Flying Eagles
The Flying Eagles have vowed to cage five times World champions, Brazil, in their last group match today at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup. The Nigerians, who are runners-up on two occasions, at Saudi Arabia ’89 and The Netherlands 2005, as well as bronze medallists at USSR ’85, arrived in Buenos, on Thursday, ahead of the clash against the junior Samba Boys.
The Flying Eagles, against all expectations, defeated Italy 2-0 in their second group match to hit the top of the group and booked their passage to the second round.
Perhaps, the biggest motivation for the players in the competition is a promise made to them by the Proprietor of Jedo FC of Sokoto, Alhaji Aliyu Oroji Wamakko, who called them shortly before their game against Italy.
Speaking with The Guardian from the team’s camp in Argentina, yesterday, Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mohammed Sanusi, said: “I am sure the players won’t let Nigeria down in this World Cup because they are well motivated. Before the second group match against Italy, the President of Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAM), Alhaji Aliyu Oroji Wamakko, who is a football stakeholder, called the players and told them to go and win the World Cup and get a plot of land in Abuja.
“Alhaji (Dr) Oroji is Ciroman Wamakko, and a man of his words. He promised the players that he will give each of them a land measuring 500 square meters in the FCT that can contain a 4-bedroom flat and a Boys Quarter. The players were so excited, and that boosted their morale in their game against Italy. No motivation will be bigger than that, and I am sure the players will like to have a land in Abuja,” Sanusi stated.
Meanwhile, coach Ladan Bosso is optimistic his boys will get better as the competition progresses.
“It’s massive beating Italy that defeated highly-rated Brazil 3-2 by two unreplied goals, and that gives me the confidence that boys, most of whom are debuting at such a big stage are now ready to give the World Cup a real go.”
Asked what are his plans against Brazil, Bosso said: “Having watched Brazilian play, I think we know how to handle them, but I will consider giving the other players who have yet to feature in our two games an opportunity to showcase themselves.”
Today’s match will hold at the Estadio Unico Diego Maradona in La Plata. Nigeria needs a draw to top Group D. (The Guardian)
