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

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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.

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Eguavoen appointed interim Super Falcons coach ahead of 2028 Olympic qualifiers

Former Super Falcons defender Ayisat Yusuf—who earned 68 caps and featured at the 2008 Beijing Olympics—also joins as an assistant coach, alongside veteran goalkeeper trainer Olatunji Baruwa.

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• Augustine “Cerezo” Eguavoen

Former Super Eagles head coach Augustine “Cerezo” Eguavoen has been appointed to lead Nigeria’s Super Falcons on a temporary basis as the search for a permanent manager continues.

His immediate assignment is navigating the 2028 Olympic Games second-round qualifying tie against Comoros this October.

The Vanguard reported that Eguavoen ‘s immediate assignment is navigating the 2028 Olympic Games second-round qualifying tie against Comoros this October.

Eguavoen brings top-tier experience to the role, having previously guided the Super Eagles to a bronze medal at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The interim technical crew is Nasarawa Amazons head coach Christopher Danjuma, who recently led the Falconets at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Former Super Falcons defender Ayisat Yusuf—who earned 68 caps and featured at the 2008 Beijing Olympics—also joins as an assistant coach, alongside veteran goalkeeper trainer Olatunji Baruwa.

The 10-time African champions will kick off their campaign against Comoros, who advanced after a staggering 30-0 aggregate win over Sudan.

Both legs of the fixture will take place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on October 9 and 13, 2026.

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Falconets lose World Cup opener to Spain

Spain, who won the competition in 2022, controlled much of the encounter at the Arena Sosnowiec and took the lead in the 13th minute through Marisa García.

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Nigeria’s Falconets lost their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup opening match to Spain by 2-0 in the Group F opener in Poland on Monday.

Spain, who won the competition in 2022, controlled much of the encounter at the Arena Sosnowiec and took the lead in the 13th minute through Marisa García.

The goal came after Noemí Bejarano worked her way down the flank before sending a low ball into the box, with García finishing to put Spain ahead.

Nigeria struggled to create clear chances in the first half and had to wait until the 37th minute for their first attempt, with Kafayat Mafisere shooting wide from distance.

The Falconets returned from the break with greater attacking intent, with Precious Oscar and Victory Lucky introduced as Nigeria sought an equaliser.

However, Spain remained dangerous, and goalkeeper Laia López kept out Nigeria’s attempts as the European side maintained its advantage.

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Infantino To Seek Re-Election As FIFA President In 2027

If re-elected, the 56-year-old Swiss would remain FIFA president until 2031.

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FIFA says Gianni Infantino will stand for re-election in 2027.

If re-elected, the 56-year-old Swiss would remain FIFA president until 2031.

Infantino, who has served as FIFA president since 2016, has faced growing pressure following his controversial proposal to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment firms.

The plan triggered widespread criticism across the football community, with UEFA threatening to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, in opposition to the proposal.“Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will be standing for re-election,” FIFA said in a statement.

The confirmation comes after Infantino declined to answer questions about his political future when questioned by reporters at the Women’s Under-20 World Cup in Poland on Saturday.

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