Flying Eagles Seek Glory In Egypt
Nigeria’s U-20 national men’s football team, the Flying Eagles, have revealed its ambitions ahead of their U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group A opener against Senegal, as they seek to claim a record-extending 8th title.
The Flying Eagles will face off against rivals Senegal on Sunday in a mouth-watering clash by 6 pm (Nigerian Time), at the Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.
Nigeria failed to qualify for the last edition of the tournament in Mauritania, but Flying Eagles captain and Dakkada FC midfielder Daniel Daga has his sights on a World Cup berth and an eighth title.
“We are proud to be in Egypt for this great tournament and we want to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and win the tournament,” Daga said.
Nigeria qualified for Egypt 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations by virtue of emerging Champions at WAFU B U-20 regional tournament in May 2022 in Niger.
In the process of team’s qualification, the Flying Eagles defeated 2021 AFCON cup holders Ghana (2-0), Cote’d Ivoire (2-1) in the semi finals and Benin Republic 3-1 in the final to be crowned WAFU B regional champions.
“Nigeria has experience in major tournaments and we’re in Egypt to compete and we will give our best,” head coach Ladan Bosso said.
The seven-time champions are in Group A with hosts Egypt, Mozambique and Sunday’s opponents Senegal. The match between the two West African giants will be the repeat of the 2015 final, which Nigeria won in Dakar courtesy Bernard Bulbwa’s goal.
“We received the support of the Nigeria Football Federation as we prepared for tournament with regular camps to be at a very good level,” Bosso added.
Nigeria claimed the first of their seven titles in 1983 and the most recent in 2015. The Flying Eagles have lost only two finals in 1999 and 2007, while finishing third on three occasions in 1995, 2005, 2013 and fourth in 2019.
