Flying Eagles of Nigeria set to face Ivory Coast after Burkina Faso defeat

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are determined to secure their first win of the 2024 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship when they face Ivory Coast in their second Group A match. After losing 1-0 to Burkina Faso in their opening game, the team knows they must win to stay in the race for the title and qualify for the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

The team’s media officer, Sharif Abdullah, said the players are highly motivated and focused. “The spirit in the camp is very high. The boys know it’s a must-win game. They’ve held meetings among themselves to draw inspiration from previous setbacks and are ready to give their best,” Abdullah said.

Learning from Past Comebacks

Abdullah mentioned that the team had bounced back from tough situations before. “In Egypt, we lost but still qualified for the World Cup in Argentina. During the Africa Games, we lost to Senegal but beat Uganda to recover. These experiences are helping the players stay motivated,” he explained.

The team’s captain, Daniel Bameyi, has been leading discussions within the squad, encouraging the players to stay focused and believe in themselves.

Adapting to Ivory Coast’s Strengths

Head coach Aliyu Zubairu believes the team can improve after the Burkina Faso loss, which he attributed to their opponent’s physical play. He said the Flying Eagles will need to adjust their tactics to deal with Ivory Coast’s fast and aggressive style.

The Road to the 2025 AFCON and World Cup

The WAFU B U-20 Championship serves as a qualifier for the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, with only the finalists earning a spot. The tournament is also part of the pathway to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

The Flying Eagles are now fully focused on the crucial game against Ivory Coast, hoping to bounce back and keep their dreams alive.