Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has maintained his confidence within the crew’s preparation as Nigeria arrived within the Chilean metropolis of Talca forward of the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The 2-time runners-up have been warmly acquired on Thursday afternoon by FIFA and Native Organizing Committee officers, earlier than settling into Lodge Diego de Almagro.
Later that night, the squad held their first coaching session at Estadio Fiscal de Talca, the place all Group F matches can be performed.
Nigeria wrapped up a 12-day coaching camp in Santiago earlier than heading to Talca, testing themselves in opposition to sturdy opposition. They held hosts Chile to a 1-1 draw earlier than outclassing Australia 3-1 of their remaining warm-up match on Tuesday. Coach Zubairu praised his gamers’ composure in these video games, insisting the build-up has been greater than ample.
“We respect each opponent on this group, however we consider our six weeks of preparation have given us the sting to compete,” Zubairu mentioned. “The boys are centered, disciplined, and keen to indicate what they’ll do.”
The Flying Eagles kick off their marketing campaign in opposition to Norway on Monday, twenty ninth September, earlier than dealing with Saudi Arabia and Colombia in subsequent fixtures. With Nigeria nonetheless chasing a first-ever U-20 world title, Zubairu reiterated that the mission is not only participation however real competitors for honours.
