The Flying Eagles of Nigeria will face Norway in their opening game of the FIFA U-20 World Cup at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca in Chile, Soccernet.ng reports.
Aliyu Zubairu’s side have been drawn into Group F alongside Norway, Colombia and Saudi Arabia.
With kick-off time set for 9:00 PM WAT, the Flying Eagles will be hoping to grab all three points in their opener to put them on the front foot as they look to qualify for the knockout stages.
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Ahead of Nigeria’s clash against the Scandinavians, Soccernet.ng predicts the starting lineup, taking into account the players available.
Goalkeeper: Ebenezer Harcourt was immense in Nigeria’s AFCON U-20 campaign in Egypt, helping the bronze medalists keep three clean sheets in six games.
Without a doubt, he’ll be primed to start as his absence in Egypt cost the Flying Eagles a place at the AFCON final.
Defenders: Daniel Bameyi and Odinaka Okoro were first squad members in Egypt back in May. Given the squad list, Remo Stars’ Akinyele Ahmed is Coach Zubairu’s best bet to partner Bameyi at the heart of the defence. Ocheche Amos takes up the right-back spot.
Midfielders: A midfield trio keeps things solid in the centre of the park, while allowing the full-backs to drive forward on the overlap.
Israel Ayuma and Auwal Ibrahim, set into slightly advanced roles ahead of the defensive-minded Daniel Daga, will be a perfect blend.
Attackers: Kparobo Arierhi has the chance to stamp his name on the world stage and is Nigeria’s best bet to lead the line in attack.
Tahir Maigana and Sani Suleiman will most likely join the Mjondalen striker in attack.
The line-up in full: Ebenezer Harcourt; Ocheche Amos, Akinyele Ahmed, Daniel Bameyi, Odinaka Okoro; Daniel Daga, Israel Ayuma, Auwal Ibrahim; Kparobo Ariehri, Tahir Maigana, Sani Suleiman.