Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, president of the Nigerian Football Federation, has once more urged Nigeria’s U20 team, the Flying Eagles, to maintain focus and composure as they compete for a spot in the semifinals of the present FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Argentina versus South Korea.
In a video conversation with the team’s players and officials on Saturday, the NFF President made the request.
Gusau praised the players for their tenacity and triumph over Argentina in the Round of 16 match on Wednesday. He also pushed them to play even better against the nimble Asians on Sunday.
“Gentlemen, I want to use this medium to commend and congratulate you for the hard-fought win against Argentina. What you demonstrated was the true Nigeria spirit and I urge you to replicate the same against South Korea tomorrow.
“The game tomorrow is crucial and I believe you can do it for yourselves, your families and above all our dear nation, Nigeria. Nigerians are happy with your performance over there and are solidly behind you.”
The Flying Eagles will be gunning for a semi-final ticket at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals for the first time since 2005, when they go up against the South Koreans on Sunday at the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades in the City of Santiago Del Estero. The game starts at 2.30pm Argentina time (6.30pm Nigeria time).
In a thrilling finish on Saturday night, Israel defeated five-time champions Brazil 3-2 in overtime to advance as the first team to the round of four.