10th August, 2011
The fear of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles is the beginning of wisdom for England, as the two teams set to clash tonight in the Round of 16 tie in the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011.
The Nigerian team, who are the highest scoring team in the group stage, are set to lock horns against a watertight English backline that are yet to concede a goal.
Given their outstanding record in Group D, when they notched up three emphatic wins against Guatemala, Croatia and Saudi Arabia, Coach John Obuh’s highly motivated and well-drilled Flying Eagles are certainly the form team in this tie.
The canny coach will also hope his prolific pairing of Ahmed Musa and Olarenwaju Kayode can continue a purple patch that has seen them claim half their team’s goal tally to date.
Their defence may be impregnable, but three games into this edition and England are still without a win. This unwanted run goes back to a 1-0 victory over Mexico in 1997, a winless streak at FIFA U-20 World Cup final tournaments now stretching to 13 games.
The pressure is really on England coach, Brian Eastick to find a solution to his side’s difficulties in front of goal. He saw the Flying Eagles as tough team to beat.
The Nigeria game will be difficult, but every game we’ve played has been harder than the last! We’ll be facing powerful players who are very quick and very fit. Nigeria are favourites, but we’ve made it past the group stages and we have to try and win,†England coach said.
“It’s no use scoring if you’re letting in three at the other endâ€. Even so, on the evidence of the Nigerians’ performances so far, goalkeeper Jack Butland is sure to have plenty to do on Wednesday (today),†he said..
The number of goals scored by Nigeria in the group phase at Colombia 2011 are more than any other team. In stark contrast, England qualified for the last 16 on the back of three goalless draws.
There is no doubt that Eangland will face uphill task when his team confront Africa champions in tonight encounter.
Meanwhile, Nigerian coach, John Obuh disclosed that his team will not underrate England, saying that he will approach the match with all seriousness.
Obuh admitted that there are hurdles the team need to pass if they have to win the tournament.
“The team have been working together for a long time and of course our goal is to keep progressing and be successful in the long term.
“But for the time being I’m not looking any further than our next match, and I know that there are some great teams standing between us and the title, such as Brazil, Argentina and Colombia.†Obuh said.