Nigeria’s Flying Eagles kick off their FIFA U20 World Cup campaign in Chile on Tuesday with a decisive Group D opener against Norway, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ahead of the game, head coach Aliyu Zubairu and his players look to make a bold statement on securing three points in their first game of the campaign.

It has been two decades since Nigeria last reached the final of this tournament, finishing runners-up to Argentina in 2005, and the current squad is determined to end that wait.

Lionel Messi shoots u20 Argentina to victory from the spot. Copyright: Imago

What Aliyu Zubairu said ahead of Norway clash

Zubairu has revealed the importance of a fast start, and has told Nigerians that his boys are ready to kick off with a positive impression.

“The first match is very, very important because if you can get it right, it gives you confidence, focus, and strong footing in the competition. We’re going to approach this game with all seriousness to make sure we come out victorious,” he said on the eve of the clash.

Kparobo Arierhi Nigeria in action during the pre-match for the game between Cote D Ivoire vs Nigeria at the WAFU-B U20 Qualifiers, Lome, Togo. Photo by Adeniyi Muyiwa Copyright: xAdeniyixMuyiwax

Flying Eagles stars to watch

Among the stars to watch is 18-year-old striker Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi, who has been dubbed “the new Victor Osimhen” after firing Nigeria to WAFU U20 glory with a brace in the final against Ghana. Midfielder Sani Suleiman has also spoken boldly, declaring that the Flying Eagles are targeting the final and nothing less.