Flying Eagles forward Sani Suleiman has set his sights on helping Nigeria end their two-decade wait for a FIFA U20 World Cup final appearance as the team prepares for this year’s edition in Chile, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles last reached the FIFA U20 World Cup final in 2005, where they lost 2–1 to Argentina, inspired by Lionel Messi.
Since then, Nigeria have not reached another U20 World Cup final. They’ve appeared at the tournament several times, but didn’t make it beyond the semi-final stage in any of those editions.
Suleiman on Flying Eagles’ readiness
The 18-year-old winger, who moved to Slovakian side AS Trenčín after a breakout season in the NPFL, believes the unity in camp and the quality of preparation under coach Aliyu Zubairu could propel the team to glory.
“A lot of positive things have been happening in the camp,” Suleiman told Ademola Victor. “You can see the togetherness of the players and the officials. Everything has been going great. We’re in good shape, and we’re looking forward to the tournament. It’s a survival-of-the-fittest competition. If we prove ourselves there, then definitely we’ll be crowned the winners. We’re positive about everything and have been training well, following the coaches’ instructions.”
Nigeria have been drawn in Group F alongside Saudi Arabia, Norway, and Colombia, with their opening fixture against Norway on September 29 in Talca.
Flying Eagles’ target
The Flying Eagles last reached the final in 2005, when a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina denied them the trophy.
For Suleiman, who won the NPFL Rookie of the Season award after netting 11 goals in 19 matches for Akwa United before his European move, this is an opportunity to make history with the Flying Eagles.
“Our target is clear,” he continued. “Nigeria haven’t reached the final for about 20 years, and that’s our focus — to get there and hopefully go all the way. We want to reach the final and win the tournament, to be crowned champions. That’s our target for this World Cup.”
With Nigeria boasting attacking talents such as Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi and Suleiman in their ranks, hopes are high that the Flying Eagles can once again challenge the world’s best and return home with the trophy.