Sports

Flying Eagles of Nigeria Begins Hunt For Maiden World Cup Against Dominican Republic

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3 years ago

May 21, 2023

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The Flying Eagles of Nigeria has begun their hunt for a first U-20 World Cup trophy when they face the Dominican Republic in their opening fixture at the 2023 edition of the tournament.

Nigeria have reached the final of the age-grade competition twice – in 1989 and 2005 – and will be aiming to take it a step further when Sunday’s clash begins at the Estadio Malvinas Argentina in Mendoza.

En route to the championship, Nigeria finished third at the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and are among four teams to represent the continent in the South American nation.

The Africans are favourite against Walter Benítez’s side and know that a win over them will place Nigeria in good stead to qualify from a Group D that includes Brazil and Italy.

Although Nigeria have played 13 times in the competition against their rivals who are making their debut, Coach Ladan Bosso admits that the clash won’t be an easy game. He, however, believes the Pre-Tournament season have infused confidence in the squad.

“As I stated earlier, we are happy with the results from the two friendly matches we played in Buenos Aires,” the NFF quoted him as saying.

“We won one against an Argentina club and then drew with the Colombia U20 team that’s also taking part in this tournament. Those are not bad results.

“More than anything else, what the results have done is give us confidence that we can get the job done. Victory over the Dominican Republic on Sunday will stabilise our winning mentality.

“It is a factor that matters in championships and that is why we are determined to win on Sunday.”

Italy-based Victor Eletu, who later teamed up with the squad, is expected to provide much-needed depth to the Flying Eagles’ side.

Nigeria is likely to parade the Chijioke Aniagbosos in goal with Daniel Bameyi, Abel Ogwuche, Benjamin Frederick, and Solomon Agbalaka at the back.

Ibrahim Muhammad, Samson Lawal, and Jude Sunday are expected to be picked for the fixture.

Time for Nigeria vs Dominican Republic U-20 Match

https://twitter.com/CAF_Online/status/1660317880481722368?s=20

Nigeria’s game against Dominican Republic at the U-20 World Cup 2023 will begin at 7:00 pm (WAT).

After the match, the Flying Eagles’ next tie is against Italy on May 24 before they take on Brazil three days later.

Related Topics:Flying Eagles of Nigeria Qualifying Games

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AFCON 2025: Ghanaian Daniel Laryea is Nigeria–Morocco semi-final Referee

Widely regarded as one of Africa’s elite referees, Laryea boasts an impressive résumé that includes multiple AFCON appearances as well as regular officiating roles in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

Published

3 hours ago

January 13, 2026

OCHEFA

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• Referee Daniel Laryea

Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea has been appointed to officiate the highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-final clash between Nigeria and the host nation Morocco.

The decisive encounter is scheduled for Wednesday night at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat, where continental giants will battle for a place in the final.

Laryea’s appointment is a strong vote of confidence in his experience and consistency at the highest level of African football.

The 39-year-old official has been one of the standout referees at the ongoing tournament, earning praise for his composure and decision-making in high-pressure situations.

He recently served as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during Morocco’s tense quarter-final victory over Cameroon, a match that demanded sharp judgment and calm intervention.

Earlier in the competition, Laryea also took charge as centre referee in the group-stage encounter between Algeria and Burkina Faso, where he effectively controlled the pace and discipline of the game.

His ability to manage emotionally charged fixtures has earned him respect across the continent.

Sports

AFCON 2025: Osimhen to captain Super Eagles against Morocco

Ndidi received his first booking during Nigeria’s Round of 16 victory over Mozambique’s Mambas and was cautioned again in the quarter-final match against Tunisia.

Published

4 hours ago

January 13, 2026

OCHEFA

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Victor Osimhen will wear the captain’s armband for the Super Eagles in their semi-final clash against Morocco’s Atlas Lions.

This was due to the suspension of the regular captain Wilfred Ndidi due to card accumulation.

Ndidi received his first booking during Nigeria’s Round of 16 victory over Mozambique’s Mambas and was cautioned again in the quarter-final match against Tunisia.

Osimhen previously captained the Super Eagles in their final group-stage game against Uganda.

The striker was appointed vice-captain of the national team on the eve of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Sports

Odegbami predicts Super Eagles will defeat Morocco in semi-final clash

Nigeria will face Morocco on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in a high-stakes semi-final encounter.

Published

12 hours ago

January 13, 2026

OCHEFA

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Former Nigeria international and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner Segun Odegbami has expressed strong conviction ahead of the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 semi-final clash against hosts Morocco in Rabat.

Nigeria will face Morocco on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in a high-stakes semi-final encounter.

While acknowledging Morocco’s home advantage, Odegbami described the Rabat crowd as a major factor.

“They will have a 12th player, a loud army of supporters pushing them forward,” he said.

Nevertheless, he remains confident Nigeria can rise to the occasion.

Nicknamed “Mathematical” during his playing career, Odegbami said Nigeria’s commanding 2-0 quarter-final victory over Algeria brought back memories of the country’s historic dominance on the continent four decades ago.

“It felt like March 22, 1980, all over again. History was echoing loudly in my head,” Odegbami said.

The former Eagles captain recalled Nigeria’s emphatic 3-0 win over Algeria at the 1980 AFCON, when the North Africans were widely regarded as Africa’s strongest side, achieved through intensity, discipline and fearless attacking football.

“Algeria were stunned then, just as they looked helpless again two days ago,” he noted.