1st November, 2013
Golden Eaglets will on Saturday aim to halt Nigeria’s losing run against Uruguay this year.
In June, Uruguay full international team beat Nigeria 2-1 at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil and the South Americans recorded the same win at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey in a Round of 16 clash.
Besides gunning for the scalp of Uruguay, the Nigeria youngsters also seek a place in the last four of the U-17 World Cup as they stay on course for a fourth world title at this age level, while Uruguay are yet to claim their first title.
This is the first time both nations are meeting at this level.
Uruguay were the runners-up in the last edition of the competition after they lost to Mexico 2-0 in the final.
Uruguay have met African opponents at the U-17 World Cup four times, lost twice and won twice.
In 1991, Uruguay lost 2-0 to Ghana and lost 3-2 to Ghana again in 1999 in the quarterfinals. They were victorious against Rwanda and Congo 1-0 and 2-1 respectively in 2011 edition.
Nigeria assistant coach Nduka Ugbade has declared that the team are focused on going past Uruguay, most probably their sternest test yet in this competition.
“We don’t want to be bothered with the tag of a favourite and our philosophy remains the same, one game at a time,” Ugbade said.
“Our objective right from the start was to win our matches and we continue to be guided by that.
“It is only in pools betting that you forecast matches, but we are in for a serious business here.
“We don’t have to count the chicks before they hatch and we are looking forward to every game with a winning mentality.”
Officials have assured striker Kelechi Iheanacho will return for this game, while stand-in for injured Isaac Success, Taiwo Awoniyi, has earned high praise from several quarters including Ghana Black Stars skipper Asamoah Gyan.