Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu has referred to as on his gamers to stay centered as they put together for his or her essential last group match in opposition to Colombia on the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Talking after Nigeria’s hard-fought 3–2 victory over Saudi Arabia, which gave the workforce its first win of the match, Zubairu reminded his squad that the job is much from over and that qualifying from the group stays the precedence.
The Flying Eagles had suffered a disappointing defeat of their opening recreation in opposition to Norway, leaving them with no selection however to safe most factors in opposition to Saudi Arabia to maintain their marketing campaign alive.
Zubairu revealed that within the aftermath of the loss, the gamers themselves pledged to offer all the things within the subsequent match, and he expressed delight that they saved their promise on the pitch.
“The gamers declared they might give all the things in opposition to Saudi Arabia, they usually did precisely that,” Zubairu mentioned. “Their willpower to grind out the outcome was commendable, however now our focus should instantly flip to Colombia.”
Nigeria’s efficiency in opposition to Saudi Arabia was a mix of grit and resilience, with the gamers exhibiting starvation in entrance of objective whereas additionally standing agency defensively within the closing phases.
Zubairu hailed the hassle however careworn that enchancment is required for the subsequent problem, as Colombia signify a sterner check. “We can not chill out now,” he warned. “Colombia are a powerful workforce, and we have to be sharper in each assault and protection.”
With qualification hopes nonetheless of their fingers, the Flying Eagles know {that a} win in opposition to Colombia will assure their passage into the knockout rounds. For Zubairu, the message is obvious: the victory over Saudi Arabia was solely the start, and consistency would be the key if Nigeria is to advance deep into the match.
