Flying Eagles hunt for eighth U-20 AFCON title in Niamey
Akpoborie and Sani Adamu (1987 ‘Chile disaster’).
The set of 1989 known for performing the ‘Darmaan miracle’ had stars like Christopher Ohenhen, Mutiu Adepoju ‘headmaster’, Jimoh Balogun, Bawa Abdullahi, Odiara Chinedu, Philiph Osundu, Nduka Ugbade, Christopher Nwosu, Michael Onyemachara and Samuel Elijah.
In 2005, a former Flying Eagles star, Samson Sisasia became coach of the team and produced stars like John Mikel Obi, Taye Taiwo, Chinedu Ogbuke, Isaac Promise, David Abawo, Isaac Okoronkwo and Sani Kaita.
Gideon Gambo, Uche Nwafor, Ahmed Musa, Terry Envoh, Abdul Jeleel Ajagun, Olanrewanju Kayode, Ramon Azeez and Mohammed Aliyu were the stars of the 2011 victorious team in South Africa.
Nigeria’s last victory at the U-20 AFCON in 2015 in Senegal under Manu Garba was made possible by such outstanding players like Musa Mohammed, Wilfred Ndidi, Musa Yahaya, Kingsley Sokari, Bulbwa Bernard, Chidibere Nwakali and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Expectations are therefore high that the set of 2019 would win Nigeria’s 8th title and a ticket to represent Africa at this year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland but there are also concerns over the team’s preparations for the ‘battle of Niamey’.
Unlike the set of 2015 that had better preparations including international friendly matches with Morocco and Ghana, the present squad can boast of attending only the sub regional WAFU U-20 Tournament held in Togo last December where they lost 0-2 to Senegal in the final match.
In spite of what many might term as unsatisfactory build-up to the tournament in Niger Republic, Manu Garba who led the Flying Eagles to their 7th title in Dakar in 2015 is optimistic the team will do the country proud in Niamey.
He told CAFonline.com that the Flying Eagles have all that it takes to excel in the championship which ends on February 17. “The Flying Eagles chances in Niger are bright because most of the players are playing for top Nigerian clubs and they are in good shape.
“We are hoping they will qualify from their group and make it to the FIFA U-20 World Cup. I wish them a successful outing in Niger and praying they will qualify to the World Cup as African Champions,” he said.
A former Flying Eagles player, Dahiru Sadi also told Trust Sports that with the right attitude and commitment, the set of 2019 will do well in Niamey.
He charged the players to win their opening match against Burundi because anything less than victory will put the team under intense pressure.
Sadi who was a member of the 1983 squad maintained that going by their record in the competition, the Flying Eagles will be the team to beat so they should be ready to go the extra mile.
“Like other patriotic Nigerians, I am wishing the Flying Eagles success in Niger. The players must know that it is always a privilege to represent Nigeria.
“I urge them to make good use of this opportunity by winning the title and also making a name for themselves.
“The teams that have qualified for the championship are among the best in Africa so the Flying Eagles shouldn’t expect a stroll in the park. They should be ready to toil hard, if they are to emerge champions,” he advised.
The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation also told Trust Sports that the federation has adequately prepared the Flying Eagles for the championship.
He said even as the invitational tournament for the team in Saudi Arabia fell through, the NFF ensured the team played quality friendly matches with local clubs.
Mohammed, therefore, expressed optimism that the Flying Eagles will be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria in Niamey.
“The team has been in camp for quite a while now and they even went to Togo for the WAFU U-20 championship in December. In addition, they played a lot of quality friendly matches with local clubs.
“We also wanted them to go to Saudi Arabia for an invitational tournament but at the last minute the organisers cancelled the competition
“As I am talking to you now, they are in camp and the team will be leaving tomorrow (Thursday) for Niamey. The team is in high spirit.
“I spoke with Gernot Rohr. He said the team is very good. So I have the feeling that the team will do the country proud.
“Even as they are expected to win, they must do so with fairness and ensure they do not do anything unethical to damage the reputation of our dear country Nigeria,” he said.