The Nigerian Ambassador to Argentina, Mr. Philip Ikurusi, has charged the Flying Eagles to not only evoke the spirit of their 1989 and 2005 predecessors but to also go a step further by winning for Nigeria for the very first time the FIFA U-20 World Cup trophy in Argentina this summer.
Ikurusi made the call when he visited the team’s camp at Howard Johnson Hotel & Resorts in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina on Tuesday evening.
The diplomat also advised the players to be focused and play as a unit, as success in football can only be achieved through teamwork.
“I am here to officially welcome you to Argentina, the host nation of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup finals. It is heartwarming that our dear nation will be among the 24 nations that will take part in this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup. It is also on record that we have played the final of this tournament on two occasions, in 1989 and 2005 and I believe this present set can surpass the record of your predecessors by lifting the coveted trophy for the first time.”
The Flying Eagles, who finished third at the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt earlier in the year, will tackle Dominican Republic, Italy and Brazil in that order in Group D of the three-week global fiesta commencing next week Saturday.
“I believe with hard work, commitment and dedication, you can do it by overpowering all opposition before you and getting your hands on the trophy.”
Ambassador Ikurusi further called on the players to be of good conduct and behaviour during their stay in the South American nation.
Responding, the Head Coach of the Flying Eagles, Isah Ladan Bosso expressed appreciation to the Ambassador for the visit while promising the team is ready to make the nation proud.
Two-time runners-up Nigeria will get their campaign off the ground on Monday, 21 May when they go up against the Dominican Republic in Mendoza. Their other matches in the group phase are against Italy (also in Mendoza) on 24 May and against Brazil (in La Plata) on 27 May.
