Sports
Flying Eagles of Nigeria Begins Hunt For Maiden World Cup Against Dominican Republic
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.
The Super Eagles will fly out to London on Sunday for the Unity Cup invitational tournament.
Players from the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, and backroom staff will make the trip to London from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Ahmed Musa, Ifeanyi Oyebuchi, Papa Daniel and Nduka Junior, Sadiq Ismaila, and Waliu Ojetoye are the local-based players invited by head coach, Eric Chelle.
Others are, Collins Ugwueze, Saviour Isaac, Abubakar Adamu and Sikiru Alimi.They will be joined by their foreign-based counterparts in England’s capital.
The Super Eagles will face eternal rivals Black Stars of Ghana in their first game of the competition at Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford on Tuesday, 27 May.
The three-time African champions will play another friendly against Russia in Moscow with a different squad on Friday, 6 June.
Sports
Akure to host Rising Stars Basketball Championship
The founder and former NBA player, Olumide Oyedeji, the 2025 edition will target under -17 players nationwide.
The fourth edition of the Rising Stars Basketball Championship, is set to hold in Akure in July 2025.
The championship is organised by the Olumide Oyedeji Youth Foundation. According to the founder and former NBA player, Olumide Oyedeji, the 2025 edition will target under -17 players nationwide.
He revealed that the championship aims not only to improve players’ technical abilities but also to instill discipline, teamwork, and leadership through structured training and mentorship.
“This year’s edition will bring together some of the best young prospects from all regions of Nigeria,” Oyedeji said.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured third place at the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout win over hosts Egypt, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The encounter, played in Cairo, saw Egypt took an early lead just three minutes in through Omar Osama.
However, Nigeria responded in the second half when Divine Oliseh found the net to level the scores, pushing the game to a tense conclusion.
Despite dominating possession with 64% and firing 30 shots compared to Egypt’s eight, the Flying Eagles were unable to seal the match in normal time or extra-time.
The game proceeded to penalties, where the Nigerian side displayed composure and clinical finishing, converting four of their spot-kicks. Egypt, in contrast, managed only one successful attempt.
Statistically, Nigeria outclassed Egypt across the board — registering 10 shots on target to the North Africans’ three, and creating six clear goal-scoring opportunities against Egypt’s one.
The bronze medal marks a solid conclusion to the Flying Eagles’ campaign and a promising sign of depth and talent in Nigeria’s next generation of football stars.
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