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Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) - Sports (149) - Nairaland

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Flying Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (South Korea 2017) / FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 Full Time Table And Fixtures / Super Eagles Of Nigeria Thread: 2017 AFCON Qualifiers. (2) (3) (4)

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Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by mikron(m): 2:08pm On May 31, 2015
safarigirl:
what's my business with Pellegrini? I dey follow una watch club football?

Obuh's over-aged 'Boys' what have they achieved since their showing in '09? How many have gone on to great footballing careers? That is how you know a great coach in the youth level. Not by how many cups he won or how many finals he made, but what became of the team he formed after the tournament.

Apart from Onazi, how many of Obuh's boys have good careers? Dude, I watched that '09 competition. There was no team spirit. Isn't it that squad that allowed their thirst for individual glory conquer their purposee for a trophy? Those guys that played rubbish and lost to Sweden at the finals. No be them be that?

they lost to switzerland not sweden. i watched the match live at the Abuja national stadium
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by lakesidepapa(m): 2:12pm On May 31, 2015
LeeCodeman:


NTA is showing the matches. If you dont have StarTimes, just use normal antenna and locate your local NTA

Thnks for ur concern, I don't have antenna. Jst that Supersport is not doing the needful. I'm relying on nigeria local stations on dstv to air the match live

1 Like

Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by billante(m): 2:17pm On May 31, 2015
safarigirl:
I want to do a Before & After pic od some of these boys just so all the Thomases in the building can hold their peace

1) Isaac Success

Before


After


Kelechi Iheanacho
Before


After


Taiwo Awoniyi
Before(back when he was lightweight grin)
[img]http://gfx.aftonbladet-cdn.se/image/18597666/800/normal/6e2cfc61aeb01/MIDEAST+EMIRATES+UNDER+17+WCUP+SWEDEN+NIGERIA.JPEG-04EDD.JPG[/img]

After


Dele Alampasu

Before


After


Musa Yahaya
Before


After



Clearly, none of these BOYS were older than 18 2 years ago- if dem even reach, cuz the magnitude of change in 2 years can only be achieved with growing boys

Success own is the most obvious! awoniyi has not changed much!

you should had used a more latest yahaya picture! the latest ones we have seen will do a better job
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by Icon4s(m): 2:21pm On May 31, 2015
safarigirl:
like I said, pundits the world over tipped Mexico to beat Mali. The same pundits who are tipping Brazil to beat Nigeria based on pedigree.

This is not based on U17 showing, but based on past performances in the U20 tournament, which you would know, Mali does not have a strong pedigree compared to Mexico. If pundits were judging based on the U17, then Nigeria should have been favourites to win Brazil and not the other way around.

I hope you now understand where the soccer pundits base their judgment. Once again, Mali who last won an U20 game over a decade ago, pulled off an upset on Mexico, who have won the cup multiple times.

Good morning

Firstly, Mexico has never won the U20 world cup.
Secondly, forget abt all those permutations and combinations done by all those gamblers, i can still categorically tell u that Mali beating Mexico is nt much of an upset. Teams from West Africa have always been a force to be reconed with at age grade levels. After u mention S. American teams like Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and then u mention European teams like Portugal, Spain and France the next set of countries with pedigree are Nigeria, Ghana and Mali. Teams from West Africa have a better pedigree than teams from N. America. Check the achievements of Nigeria, Ghana and Mali in this competition over d yrs put together as against the likes of Mexico, USA and Canada/Costa Rica etc

Teams from West Africa are always known to pull results at youth level.

Thirdly, y i was making comparison between U17 performance with U20s is that a good lot of peeps here are rating teams based on their performances at the last U17. Check d records, no team has won the U17 & den U20 2yrs later. I hope Nigeria can break that record.

3 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by slam7000(m): 2:24pm On May 31, 2015
LeeCodeman:


NTA is showing the matches. If you dont have StarTimes, just use normal antenna and locate your local NTA


What about Ntanews24.tv..people in the UK might not watch it. Apart from Ghana vs Austria shown on Eurosports2, they haven't shown any of the matches, it's not even on sky sports.
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by khattab02: 2:28pm On May 31, 2015
safarigirl:
at least 4 of those 9 goals will be pulled back tomorrow morning #justbelieve smiley
hmmmmmm.... Alright I believe!!!!
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by Segadem(m): 2:32pm On May 31, 2015
LeeCodeman:


The more I read this kind of news, the faster I think we need to sack Stephen Keshi.

Just last week, the Super Eagles played a goalless draw with Spotlight FC and Keshi said he was satisfied with the performance. This was the same Spotlight team that the Flying Eagles beat 3-1 back in January in Katsina and after the win, Garba said that though the win was commendable, he knows his team can still do better.

Two coaches. Two different mentality.
pls I need somebody to confirm this post if it is true,if yes then what is NFF waiting for?
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by LeeCodeman: 2:33pm On May 31, 2015
slam7000:



What about Ntanews24.tv..people in the UK might not watch it. Apart from Ghana vs Austria shown on Eurosports2, they haven't shown any of the matches, it's not even on sky sports.

Mehn...if you're in the UK, just stream online na.
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by terzurum5(m): 2:34pm On May 31, 2015
Icon4s:


Some of those players may actually b on nairaland. Atleast i know that Courtney Dike and Azizat Oshoala are on nairaland.
Pls dnt ask me how i know wink
Icon4s where you go hide wey u come de comot face now? Where were you when I made the roll call?cheesycheesycheesycheesy
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by LeeCodeman: 2:37pm On May 31, 2015
Segadem:
pls I need somebody to confirm this post if it is true,if yes then what is NFF waiting for?

Confirm kwa?

See link: Keshi happy with Super Eagles' draw against Spotlight FC http://www.sporton.ng/index.php/global-soccer-extra/international/keshi-happy-with-what-he-saw-in-super-eagles-draw-against-sportlight-fc

See link: Flying Eagles beat Spotlight FC of Katsina 3-1 Flying Eagles beat Spotlight FC of Katsina 3-1 http://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/174920-flying-eagles-beat-spotlight-fc-of-katsina-3-1.html
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by LeeCodeman: 2:39pm On May 31, 2015
I just watched the full highlights of the Portugal - Senegal match. Portugal looks a good team. They ran Senegal ragged.
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by AIG07: 2:44pm On May 31, 2015
mikron:
they lost to switzerland not sweden. i watched the match live at the Abuja national stadium
hmmm. Memory of a bad game. A match we could have won conveniently if not for the selfish interest of obuh's boys most especially Okoro n Sani-but I won't blame them-it was really d fault of our rich men who promised 1m naira to d scorer for any goal been score... Their stupidity n selfish interest downed on dem when dat header went in. N dat was how most of dem spoil their carriers. if not for d likes of onazi n azeez de could have been a forgotten generation. We learn't our lesson in a hard way. Hope dis boys won't follow suit.
#FLYflyingEAGLES
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by Icon4s(m): 2:50pm On May 31, 2015
terzurum5:

Icon4s where you go hide wey u come de comot face now? Where were you when I made the roll call?cheesycheesycheesycheesy

I have always been around. Jst that most times i observe and nt comment.
This is the night we have been waiting for. People have been predicting score lines like: Nig 4-0 Brazil, 4-1, 3-0 & the rest.
Personally, i dnt know y bt i dnt rate these boys as high as most peeps here do.
After this night's game i will now know how to place them.
I have watched so many U20 WC and have seen most teams dat won thé previous U17 faulter. I am nt a prophet of doom o. I wish Nigeria wins d cup bt i dnt rate them as favorites. At best for now I c them as Semi final material. After d game against Brazil, I will know whether to improve thé rating or reduce it.

1 Like 1 Share

Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by Tomtoxic: 2:51pm On May 31, 2015
tbaba1234:


You need to be cleared by NFF before any transfer from Nigeria. At that point, the thinking was that, they were too young but they could have been great players if they were allowed to leave.
wow e dn tay wey mumu people de nff
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by terzurum5(m): 2:57pm On May 31, 2015
Icon4s:


I have always been around. Jst that most times i observe and nt comment.
This is the night we have been waiting for. People have been predicting score lines like: Nig 4-0 Brazil, 4-1, 3-0 & the rest.
Personally, i dnt know y bt i dnt rate these boys as high as most peeps here do.
After this night's game i will now know how to place them.
I have watched so many U20 WC and have seen most teams dat won thé previous U17 faulter. I am nt a prophet of doom o. I wish Nigeria wins d cup bt i dnt rate them as favorites. At best for now I c them as Semi final material. After d game against Brazil, I will know whether to improve thé rating or reduce it.
You are well come.
I am so used to this thread such that I easily take note when 1 or 2 persons are becoming silent.
Let the real tin start. Tired of waiting.

1 Like

Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by tbaba1234: 2:58pm On May 31, 2015
Icon4s:


Thirdly, y i was making comparison between U17 performance with U20s is that a good lot of peeps here are rating teams based on their performances at the last U17. Check d records, no team has won the U17 & den U20 2yrs later. I hope Nigeria can break that record.

I do not think this is a valid comparison. Most teams present different players at under 20.check out the mexican, uruguayan and brazilian teams, just a few from under 17.

It is simple, two years later, the under 17 folks are just 18. In developed leagues, they have to compete with 19 and almost 20 year olds . There is a bigger poll to pick from.

In 1987, Nigera went with 17year olds to win the competition with just few additions. Even though, they were good, lack of exposure killed them. The team today is more exposed.
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by joseph1013: 3:00pm On May 31, 2015
[b][size=14pt]BRAZIL STANDING BETWEEN NIGERIA AND FIRST U-20 WORLD CUP TITLE?[/size]



Manu Garba takes his triumphant U-17 World Cup graduates on a bigger hunt in New Zealand, with the junior Selecao posing as the biggest hurdle

Completesportsnigeria.com’s IZUCHUKWU OKOSI and JAMES AGBEREBI spoke to stars of Nigeria’s past U-20 World Cup teams, who assess the chances of Manu Garba’s team in New Zealand and also take us down memory lane to when Nigeria confronted Brazil at the U-20 World Cup without success.

The first time Nigeria met Brazil at the U20 World Cup was in 1983 in Mexico. Yisa Shofoluwe was a member of the
Flying Eagles that played against Brazil at that year’s World Cup. Shofoluwe, nicknamed Nigeria’s Defence Minister by late sports commentator Ernest Okonkwo for his great defensive brilliance some years later, expresses optimism that Manu Garba’s team can go all the way and win the World Cup in New Zealand. But he provides a caveat to the team achieving that objective.

“It’s possible that this current crop of players can win the World Cup but it depends on the way they start. They’ve been together for a long time, they know each other so I think for a team to succeed, they need such chemistry. So I am optimistic about their chances.”

Speaking specifically about the team’s chances of beating Brazil when both sides meet on June 1, Shofoluwe said:

“I like the fact that they are playing against Brazil in their first match because I believe it will boost their morale and also make them prepare very well and play their hearts out. And I am confident in Manu Garba because he was in our team in 1983, so he knows what it means to play against Brazil at this level.”

Shofoluwe then recounts the game against Brazil in the 1983 World Cup in Mexico. Nigeria lost that first clash against the South Americans 3-0.

“In our game against Brazil in 1983, we had a little problem in the attack and the coaches were arguing about who to start before they settled for Dahiru Sadi. They decided to go for him believing that he can play the role very well but unfortunately he had never played there before because he was an attacking midfielder, a good one at that. But when the game started, he couldn’t cope in the position and the Brazilians capitalised on that.

“They scored a free-kick, followed by the second and third goals. The first half finished 3-0 but in the second half the game changed, we had chances but couldn’t convert them. I think the coaches argument on who to play in the attack affected the players. Then in our third game against Holland who had Marco Van Basten, we played a 0-0 draw.

“We tried our best but couldn’t score and eventually crashed out. We had a good team but it was destined that we were not going to progress into the next round,” Shofoluwe concluded.

ALLOY AGU needs no introduction in Nigeria at least for the older football fans. The goalkeeper was a long serving Nigerian goalkeeper in the Super Eagles. However before his senior national team career took off, Agu was a junior international and was in goal and paid a big price for his troubles when Nigeria were defeated by Brazil at the 1985 U-20 World Cup in the then Soviet Union.

First before he talked about his experiences playing against Brazil 30 years ago, Agu spoke about Manu Garba’s team chances in New Zealand.

“The Flying Eagles have a very bright chance. We’ve been there before and gone as far as the final of the competition and I think this is an opportunity for them. For a team that has been together for a while and conquered Africa, we believe with prayers and hard work, they will do the same at the world stage.

“There is nothing special about the World Cup, they need to do what they know how to do; that is being determined and working hard, remaining focused in every game as they come and not taking any team lightly. Most of them have tasted what the world scene is all about especially from the Golden Eaglets and from there to the Flying Eagles. So I believe they know what it is and they will give a very good account of themselves.”

And speaking more specifically about the game between Manu Garba’s team and the Brazilians on June 1, Agu tips his compatriots to go all the way.

“With this present squad, I think they can go to places. A lot is expected of them and I know they can deliver. Brazil is not invincible, at the senior World Cup they were dealt with (at the 2014 World Cup) so I will urge them to go out there and be confident. At the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 we beat the Brazilians when least expected. I think the crop of players now in the Flying Eagles can do us proud,” Agu said encouragingly.

Then the former goalkeeper who has trained so many young keepers casts his mind back to the meeting against Brazil in Soviet Union.

“The game we lost to Brazil in 1985 was just hard luck. We had so many chances to win the game but we were just unlucky. I was in the goal and I sustained a fracture before I conceded the two goals and at the end of the day we lost 2-0.”

But he takes a positive from the experience.

“But it was very interesting because at the end of the day, we came back with the bronze medal after beating Russia in the third place match. Like I said to you, Brazil is not invincible, if we are determined and with the crop of players we have, coupled with their record and the continuity and understanding in them, we will be able to give Brazil a run for their money.

“If we had converted the penalty we had, who knows what would have happened. So that is one thing about football, It could go either way but the outcome of it was that we lost the penalty but at the end of the day, we came back with a bronze medal which was very important for us.

PAUL HAMILTON, who was in charge of the Nigerian 1985 U-20 World Cup squad, bared his mind on his expectations from the team.

“I am so excited about the team because they have been together, training together and playing against quality oppositions in their warm-up games. And the fact that most of them graduated from the U-17 gives them the edge. I am confident they have what it takes to win the U-20 World Cup for Nigeria for the very first time,” Hamilton tells Completesportsnigeria.com.

And talking about Nigeria’s game against Brazil at the 1985 U20 World Cup, Hamilton adds:

“As we all know, Brazil is a country full of talented players. Also, the Nigerian team was full of talent. For me, the loss to Brazil was one of those things in football because my players did well, they gave their all but unfortunately we lost. And I remember before meeting Brazil, we had defeated a very good Mexico team. And we thought we could repeat the same thing against Brazil but it wasn’t to be.”

Moving on to the 1987 squad coached by Christopher Udemezue, Nigeria had a team that was then hailed as the most skilful Flying Eagles side Nigeria ever had.

One of the leading cast in that team was a certain divisive but extremely talented midfield gem known as ETIM ESIN. Esin’s inclusion in the Flying Eagles side that travelled to Chile for that year’s U20 World Cup raised a lot of dust and threatened to ruin Nigeria’s outing.

Esin was a victim of an armed robbery attack in Lagos days to the competition. He was shot by the gunmen and his involvement at the tournament was in doubt but the then President, Ibrahim Babangida, according to Esin himself whilst speaking with
Completesportsnigeria.com, ordered for his treatment which fast-tracked his recovery.

Completesportsnigeria.com asked the self styled ‘African Maradona’ about the chances of Manu Garba’s team in New Zealand, why the Flying Eagles cannot defeat Brazil at the U20 World Cup in the past, if Manu Garba’s team are the best Flying Eagles side in history and of course his experience when the Flying Eagles were defeated by the junior Selecao in Chile.

“We were home-based players with very talented boys amongst us. In fact Belgian side Gent came to Nigeria to play a friendly against us and that is where they spotted me.

“If you want to talk about talents, although this present side are good, you could also look at the 1987 and 1989 sides, especially the latter that got to the final of the World Cup.

“There is undoubtedly a depth of talent in this team that Manu Garba has assembled but they should get to the World Cup first, defeat Brazil first then we will see. You cannot draw a distinction now. The team should work harder.

“The Brazilians have great organisation and are more tactically disciplined than the Nigerian team who depend on pure talent and physicality. They are superior to us and that is the truth. Their players play in some of the best leagues in the world. At that level, they are already top notch professionals and know what it means to to win a game and tournament.

“We lost that game 4-0. Everybody expected great things from us due to our exploits on the African scene. It was a morale booster to play against Brazil, that was a turning point for us. We had belief. There was also had Italy and Canada in that group. Nduka Ugbade who is the present assistant coach of the team was in that game too. But the Brazilians were too strong for us and we never recovered after that beating,” Esin said.

Next to speak to Completesportsnigeria.com on the poor showing of that 1987 squad was JONATHAN AKPOBORIE.

“The present Flying Eagles squad are not more talented than the 1983 side. The 1985 side were also great. I do not want to sound as if I’m blowing our own trumpets but the 1987 team were made up of very talented players although we had distractions in the team with the inclusion of a player like Etim Esin whose experience in the hands of armed robbers because a player like Etim Esin with the emotional trauma of being shot by robbers should not have made the squad,” Akpoborie said.

On why the Brazilians have proven to be hard nuts to crack, Akpoborie offers his thoughts.

“The Brazilians are talented just as us but they have a bit of the European organisation. They play in Europe where
football is most organised. Most of our lads play at home. It is an indictment somewhat on the Nigerian football federation that we don’t have a good structured youth system really.

“The Brazilians were simply better in 1987, exposed and more motivated,” the former Stuttgart of Germany striker told Completesportsnigeria.com.


BRAZIL’s ROAD TO NEW ZEALAND 2015

Brazil progressed to the final phase of the South American U-20 Championship as Group B runners-up behind Uruguay,
to whom they lost. There, six teams battled for four tickets to New Zealand, and fourth is where A Seleção finished, with seven points from four matches. That may have been a disappointing return for that competition’s record 11-time champions, but bright sparks included four goals from diminutive attacking midfielder Marcos Guilherme, a couple of long-range piledrivers from powerful forward Thalles, and the swashbuckling skills of 17-year-old Malcom.

BRAZIL’s STRENGTH AND STYLE

Brazil adopted a defensive set-up at the South American U-20 Championship, and with it they struggled for goals.

They failed to score in four of their nine games, and only posted more than two goals once. That was indebted to
poor finishing rather than a lack of invention, as in Marcos Guilherme, Nathan and Malcom they possess masterful creators.[/b]
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by jancollins: 3:09pm On May 31, 2015
safarigirl:
I want to do a Before & After pic od some of these boys just so all the Thomases in the building can hold their peace

1) Isaac Success

Before


After


Kelechi Iheanacho
Before


After


Taiwo Awoniyi
Before(back when he was lightweight grin)
[img]http://gfx.aftonbladet-cdn.se/image/18597666/800/normal/6e2cfc61aeb01/MIDEAST+EMIRATES+UNDER+17+WCUP+SWEDEN+NIGERIA.JPEG-04EDD.JPG[/img]

After


Dele Alampasu

Before


After


Musa Yahaya
Before


After



Clearly, none of these BOYS were older than 18 2 years ago- if dem even reach, cuz the magnitude of change in 2 years can only be achieved with growing boys

I agree with you 100% on this

1 Like

Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by joseph1013: 3:21pm On May 31, 2015
[b][size=14pt]Traore's timely breakthrough[/size]



Mali can now breathe easily. Some observers had thought that despite their solid rearguard, the Eagles would struggle at the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015, largely because of a lack of threat going forward. As it turned out, Adama Traore - seen by many as the side's great hope - confounded those expectations by scoring the vital first goal late on in his side's opening 2-0 win over Mexico.

El Tri had piled on the pressure, with Hirving Lozano flying down the flanks and Alejandro Diaz doing his best leading the line, but their efforts were not rewarded. A yellow wall marshalled by captain Ichaka Diarra halted their every advance. So far, so predictable: after all, Mali booked their ticket to New Zealand after conceding just once in the group stage of the CAF African U-20 Championship.

However, the flip side of the coin was the fact that Mali only scored four times in their continental group – five fewer than eventual champions Nigeria, who nevertheless went through to the semi-finals with a worse record in terms of points. Saliou Guindo and Souleymane Sissoko did their best, but goals proved elusive, so coach Fanyeri Diarra was able to call up a starlet for the global showpiece unavailable to him in the qualifying competition. The decision to send for Traore was immediately vindicated against Mexico.

"It was really emotional when we finally scored," a laughing Traore told FIFA.com after the encounter. "We went over to the corner flag and danced to celebrate. We had heard a drum in the stands during the match, so that was our background beat." The Lille schemer turned out to be just what the doctor ordered for his side, offering a spark and versatility in front of their well-oiled defensive machine.

"Sometimes I play as a No8 and other times I have to act as a No10. I think that I largely operated as a No8 [against Mexico], but I don't attach much importance to it. Personally speaking I have no preference whatsoever for any position. That's what's expected of me: what matters most is to do what's asked of me, irrespective of what part of the pitch I find myself in," Traore said.

Eyes on the prize
Traore struck at a key juncture. Following a tumultuous period featuring three sendings-off in 11 minutes – two for Mexico and one for Mali – the Africans took the game by the scruff of the neck, making their numerical advantage count and going for broke in search of victory. The teenage midfielder's header off a free-kick found the net with just 14 minutes left to play, before Dieudonne Gbakle sealed the win a few minutes later.

Despite his jovial character – he cannot conceal a smile – Traore is keeping his feet firmly on the ground and is not taking his eyes off the ball. He knows full well that the sweet taste of an opening victory will go sour if Mali fail to build on it with positive results in their next couple of matches.

"Right now we will shake each other's hands and congratulate one another on a good performance. But we have our second match against Serbia on Wednesday; we know it won't be easy and we will have to be well prepared."

On this note, the Malians did their homework after getting their own job done, staying in the stands following their match to watch Uruguay's win over the Serbians. As Traore put it: "We have to familiarise ourselves with our upcoming opponents, especially Serbia, who we're up against next."

The Lille starlet clearly enjoyed that process, but is adamant that his side will not deviate from the approach that has got them this far: "I like seeing what type of game other teams play, how they set up on the pitch, how they defend. Still, we will keep trying to do our thing, playing the same way as ever. We're not going to change much; we don't want to put any extra pressure on ourselves." [/b]
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by Icon4s(m): 3:36pm On May 31, 2015
tbaba1234:


I do not think this is a valid comparison. Most teams present different players at under 20.check out the mexican, uruguayan and brazilian teams, just a few from under 17.

It is simple, two years later, the under 17 folks are just 18. In developed leagues, they have to compete with 19 and almost 20 year olds . There is a bigger poll to pick from.

In 1987, Nigera went with 17year olds to win the competition with just few additions. Even though, they were good, lack of exposure killed them. The team today is more exposed.


Ur first point is valid that is y i am a bit worried. We are fielding largely 17 &18 yrs olds with a handfull of 19yrs olds at an U20 tourney. FIFA even has it in record that we have d youngest team in d tourney. Forget all these hyping our boys are largely inexperienced academy players.

Going back to that 1987 episode: Nigeria finished 3rd at the 1985 WYC (lost 2-0 to Brazil in d semis) Same yr we won d U16/17 WC.In 1987 We went to the WYC as African champions (i still remember that 3-0 win against a highly fancied Togolese side in the Semis- then a home and away arrangement).Nigerians suddenly thought they had arrived in global football. Jonathan Akpoborie and Nduka Ugbade and some others were promoted to d flying eagles. Some members of the last U20 "repeated class" in addition some other stars like Etim Essin (African Pele), Osaro Obobaifo, Williams Opara were added to d team. Winning 3rd jst 2yrs ago coupled with d Ex-Golden eaglets and Etim Essin and co we thought we had a team that could win the WYC.

Our first game was against Brazil. O I can't forget that game. Our boys were busy displaying skills while Brazil were making well calculated moves and scoring. 2 goals in each half and we lost 4-0. Italy beat us 2- 0 in d second game and we only managed a 2-2 draw against Canada.
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by joseph1013: 3:39pm On May 31, 2015
[b][size=14pt]Flying Eagles are ready to conquer the world - Akinjide Idowu[/size]



The midfielder believes his side is fully prepared to begin their title bid against Brazil on Monday morning in winning form as they look to conquer the world
GOALEXCLUSIVE By Samuel Ahmadu Follow on Twitter

Nigeria U20 midfielder Akinjide Idowu has stated the readiness of his side to record a resounding opening start against five-time winners Brazil at the 2015 Fifa U20 World Cup in New Plymouth.

The 18-year-old, nicknamed ‘Magic 4’ who was discovered at the NNPC/SHELL Cup, is arguably the only player to have featured virtually in all the national team’s matches from the U17 level since 2013 U17 African Championship.

Idowu, who was a member of the Golden Eaglets’ 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup winning team, said the Flying Eagles are unstoppable as they had quality preparations and high-profile friendly games in their build up to the tournament.

“I'm extremely satisfied with our preparation, the morale of the boys and quality of training is very high and we are focused that come rain, come shine we want to win as a team,” Idowu told Goal.

“I can boldly tell you with what I’m seeing within the team that the World Cup is going to be won here in New Zealand by God's grace.

“Going to Germany was a very good tour for us. We had very competitive friendly matches and trained with top facilities and equipment. The experience makes me feel Germany is one of the best places to prepare for the World Cup.

“Right from Abuja to Germany and now in New Zealand - everyone here has shown great desire to achieve success at the World Cup,” he said.

The Kogi-born youngster insists his sole ambition in New Zealand is to give his very best to power his side to win the championship just as he solicited for the prayers of Nigerians.

“The coaches have nothing to worry about with the players. They have been with us from the U17 level and know what they want. There is nothing new to them about the players except for those coming into the team freshly.

“I can tell anybody that the team can win the tournament. We are very determined and ready to give everything to win all matches.

“I hope for nothing short than winning the World Cup. I have no other prospect and dream at the World Cup than helping my team to win the trophy,” he concluded.

Manu Garba’s lads, who secured the World Cup qualification ticket as African champions, have been paired against Brazil, North Korea and Hungary in Group E.

The African powerhouse will begin their campaign at the age-grade international competition against Brazil on June 1 by 2am Nigerian time.[/b]

1 Like

Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by slam7000(m): 3:39pm On May 31, 2015
LeeCodeman:
I just watched the full highlights of the Portugal - Senegal match. Portugal looks a good team. They ran Senegal ragged.


grin grin.. Brazil ran Portugal ragged.. angry..their legs were jelly and wobbly against Brazil. Let's hope Brazil turn to spaghetti against the Flying Eagles. A lot is at stake here.
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by MrMac10(m): 3:50pm On May 31, 2015
All News
Photos
Caju of Brazil and Jarlan Barrera of Colombia fight for the ball
Colombia's midfielder Andres Tello (L) and Brazil's forward Thalles vie for the ball
Brazil's midfielder Nathan (L) celebrates with teammates his goal against Peru
Brazil's forward Malcolm kicks to score against Peru
Brazil's footballers celebrate the second goal of forward Thalles against Peru
Argentina's forward Rodrigo Contreras celebrates after scoring against Brazil
Photos
Matches
Tournament
Change to local time
01 JUN 2015
NigeriaNGABrazilBRA
21:00
04 JUN 2015
HungaryHUNBrazilBRA
03:00 +1d
07 JUN 2015
BrazilBRAKorea DPRPRK
01:00 +1d
Groups
GROUP E
TEAMS MP W D L GF GA Pts
NigeriaNGA
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
BrazilBRA
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Korea DPRPRK
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
HungaryHUN
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Players
1MARCOSGoalkeeperFluminense FC (BRA)13 April 1996 189 cm
2JOAO PEDRODefenderSE Palmeiras (BRA)15 November 1996 179 cm
3LUCAODefenderSao Paulo FC (BRA)23 March 1996 187 cm
4MARLONDefenderFluminense FC (BRA)7 September 1995 182 cm
5DANILOMidfielderSporting Braga (POR)28 February 1996 182 cm
6CAJUDefenderSantos FC (BRA)17 July 1995 183 cm
7MARCOS GUILHERMEForwardAtletico Paranaense (BRA)5 August 1995 173 cm
8BOSCHILIAMidfielderSao Paulo FC (BRA)5 March 1996 173 cm
9JUDIVANForwardCruzeiro EC (BRA)21 May 1995 176 cm
10GABRIEL JESUSMidfielderSE Palmeiras (BRA)3 April 1997 177 cm
11KENEDYForwardFluminense FC (BRA)8 February 1996 182 cm
12GEORGEMYGoalkeeperCruzeiro EC (BRA)15 August 1995 198 cm
13RODRIGODefenderCoritiba FC (BRA)24 May 1995 178 cm
14IAGO MAIDANADefenderCriciuma EC (BRA)6 February 1996 194 cm
15LEO PEREIRADefenderAtletico Paranaense (BRA)31 January 1996 189 cm
16JORGEDefenderCR Flamengo (BRA)28 March 1996 183 cm
17ALEFMidfielderOlympique Marseille (FRA)28 January 1995 186 cm
18ANDREAS PEREIRAMidfielderManchester United FC (ENG)1 January 1996 176 cm
19JAJAMidfielderCR Flamengo (BRA)18 March 1995 179 cm
20JEAN CARLOSForwardReal Madrid CF (ESP)10 May 1996 185 cm
21JEANGoalkeeperEC Bahia (BRA)26 October 1995 188 cm
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by joseph1013: 3:50pm On May 31, 2015
[b][size=14pt]Flying Eagles at the Fifa U20 World Cup in numbers[/size]



Nigeria U20 team will be making their 11th appearance at the world youth football showpiece and Goal chronicles the key numbers that have marked their participation

Coach Manu Garba’s side go to New Zealand with the ambition of ending the jinx of not lifting the Fifa U20 World Cup. Plausible as this optimism may sound, Goal gives an account of the Flying Eagles’ outing in this competition’s history in numbers.

0- The number of titles won by Nigeria at this championship.

1- The number of times Nigeria hosted the Fifa U20 World Cup. This was achieved in 1999 as the Flying Eagles finished eighth after they were bundled out of the quarter final by Mali at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. They became the second African country to host this tourney after Tunisia staged it in 1977.

3- Brazil, Portugal and Soviet Union are the countries to have faced Nigeria at this level of competition on the most occasions. The Flying Eagles met Brazil in 1983 (lost 0-3), 1987 (lost 0-4) and in 2005 (drew 0-0). For the Portuguese, the Flying Eagles played them first in the group stage of the 1989 edition as Paulo Alves’s strike in the 88th minute caged them at the Fahd International Stadium, Riyadh. They met again in the final and the Europeans triumphed 2-0 with Abel Silva and Jorge Couto getting on the scorers’ sheet. Their third meeting ended in a 3-2 defeat of Nigeria at the 2013 edition in Turkey. Soviet Union have also met Nigeria thrice; 1983 (Nigeria won 1-0), 1985 (lost 2-1) and the last time known as the ‘Miracle of Daman’ where the Flying Eagles came from four goals down to beat the Europeans 5-3 on penalties.

3- Least number of goals conceded by Nigeria in a tournament, this feat was achieved at the Mexico 1983 edition. Unfortunately, Christopher Udemezue’s team did not make this impressive record count as they failed to get past the group stage which had eventual winners, Brazil.

3- This number also marks the most goals scored by a Nigerian in a single tournament. This honour is shared by Odiaka Monday (1985), Mutiu Adepoju & Christopher Ohenhen (1989), Chinedu Obasi (2005), Edafe Egbedi, Olarenwaju Kayode & Ahmed Musa (2011) and Abdul Jeleel Ajagun (2013).

5- This represents the most goals scored in a single match by Nigeria at the mundial. In Egypt 2009, the Flying Eagles spanked Tahiti 5-0 in the group stage. While at Colombia 2011, Guatemala lost 5-0 and Croatia 5-2 to Nigeria.

9- The number of times Nigeria have failed to qualify for the tournament. Their first black-out was at the edition staged in Tunisia in 1977 followed by their absence in Japan 1979 before missing out of Australia (1981), Portugal (1991), Australia (1993), Qatar (1995), Malaysia (1997), Argentina (2001) and United Arab Emirates (2003) respectively.

14- The number of seconds it took Monday Odiaka to score the fastest goal in Fifa U20 World Cup history against Canada in 1985. His compatriot John Owoeri netted the second-quickest, four seconds shy of the record, against the Netherlands in 2005.

Peter Ogaba is the youngest-ever Nigerian to have represented the country in this competition at 14 years and five months which was achieved at the Saudi Arabia-hosted tournament in 1989.

15- Most goals scored in a tournament. This was achieved at the Colombia 2011 championship where John Obuh’s side ran riot against all opposing teams but were shown the exit door in the quarter final after bowing 3-2 to France after extra time. Whereas at Mexico 1983, Nigeria recorded their least number of goals with one goal in three games. It came off the boot of Tarila Okoronwata in Nigeria’s 1-0 defeat of the Soviet Union.

20- The number of games Nigeria have won in 10 Fifa U20 World Cup tournaments, a record among African teams. On the other hand, they have lost 18 matches while they have secured a draw 11 times.

39 - The number of games Nigeria have played at Fifa U20 World Cups, making them the highest playing African side in the history of the competition.

70- The total number of goals Nigeria have scored in all Fifa World U20 championships they have participated in. Little wonder they are one of the highest scoring sides in the history of the competition. Also, they have conceded 61 goals in the same number of outings.

77,000- This is the record number of spectators to watch a Flying Eagles game in the World Cup. This was set on March 3, 1989 in Nigeria’s 2-0 defeat to Portugal in the final. The Europeans won by goals scored by Abel Silva and Jorge Couto.[/b]
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by tbaba1234: 3:52pm On May 31, 2015
Icon4s:


Ur first point is valid that is y i am a bit worried. We are fielding largely 17 &18 yrs olds with a handfull of 19yrs olds at an U20 tourney. FIFA even has it in record that we have d youngest team in d tourney. Forget all these hyping our boys are largely inexperienced academy players.


Our first game was against Brazil. O I can't forget that game. Our boys were busy displaying skills while Brazil were making well calculated moves and scoring. 2 goals in each half and we lost 4-0. Italy beat us 2- 0 in d second game and we only managed a 2-2 draw against Canada.

This is why, i mentioned exposure.. These boys trounced U23 teams in Germany. That is a big deal. It shows they can play at this level.

1 Like

Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by LeeCodeman: 3:56pm On May 31, 2015
honeric01, joseph said he's been banned again. Please do the needful please.

1 Like

Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by mackfame: 4:03pm On May 31, 2015
tbaba1234:


This is why, i mentioned exposure.. These boys trounced U23 teams in Germany. That is a big deal. It shows they can play at this level.

Just what I was about to say, I believe 87' flying eagle set would have lost to the German U23 clubs back then too.
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by isaiah9(m): 4:03pm On May 31, 2015
slam7000:



What about Ntanews24.tv..people in the UK might not watch it. Apart from Ghana vs Austria shown on Eurosports2, they haven't shown any of the matches, it's not even on sky sports.
I'm even more disappointed in Sky Sports. They promised to cover all the matches but they've not even showed one match.
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by safarigirl(f): 4:10pm On May 31, 2015
slam7000:



grin grin.. Brazil ran Portugal ragged.. angry..their legs were jelly and wobbly against Brazil. Let's hope Brazil turn to spaghetti against the Flying Eagles. A lot is at stake here.
what we saw with Portugal is the difference between a friendly and a competitive match.

Let's hope Brazil is a little over confident from that win smiley
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by mikron(m): 4:14pm On May 31, 2015
AIG07:

hmmm. Memory of a bad game. A match we could have won conveniently if not for the selfish interest of obuh's boys most especially Okoro n Sani-but I won't blame them-it was really d fault of our rich men who promised 1m naira to d scorer for any goal been score... Their stupidity n selfish interest downed on dem when dat header went in. N dat was how most of dem spoil their carriers. if not for d likes of onazi n azeez de could have been a forgotten generation. We learn't our lesson in a hard way. Hope dis boys won't follow suit.
#FLYflyingEAGLES
i pray they won't
Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by mikron(m): 4:17pm On May 31, 2015
linked:
Awoniyi has to score 48 goals more for this team to equal Isaac's record..... Maybe this will help those '' anti-isaac'' get a glimpse of the reputation the guy has in this team since the team's genesis.
My thoughts exactly. Isaac is a beast in front of goal. The guy is good

2 Likes

Re: Flying Eagles of Nigeria Thread: U-20 World Cup (New Zealand 2015) by terzurum5(m): 4:20pm On May 31, 2015
Fribery:
pls we have to pray against spirits of injury.. what if iheanacho was d one dat got d injury in d u17 not isaac? wat could hv happened? would we have gone that far?..

there will be no injuries by Gods grace.. Amen.
Isaac Success was by far better than Kelechi Iheanacho at the U17 level. Kelechi Iheanach burst into limelight after the injury to Isaac Success. You are still on point though.
#ThereShallBeNoInjuryWorries#

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