Five –time champions Nigeria will start as favourites
when they confront Netherlands in Tuesday’s Round of 16 clash at the FIFA U17
World Cup finals in Brazil.
The Golden Eaglets topped their Group B after
winning two matches (defeated Hungary 4-2 and Ecuador 3-2) and losing one (1-2 to
Australia). Victories over Hungary and Ecuador were obtained at the Estadio
Olimpico while the loss to Australia was in Brasilia.
Now, the Nigerian youngsters are back at the familiar
surroundings of Estadio Olimpico and will go all out for victory against the
Dutch on Tuesday night.
Nigeria forward Ibrahim Sa’id is the only
player to have scored a hat-trick in Brazil, and team captain Samson Tijani has
also weighed in with two goals – both against Hungary in a tough-as-nails
opener. Olakunle Olusegun, Akinkunmi Amoo and Wisdom Ubani are yet to be among
the goals, and look forward to the game against the Dutch to make their mark.
Head Coach Manu Garba told the world media in
Brazil that the will to win is part of Nigeria’s DNA, and the Class of 2019 is
no exception. However, his Eaglets must overcome the disappointment of the unexpected
loss to Australia in their final group game, and seize the encounter with the
Dutch by the scruff rather than wait for any comeback performance.
“We will look to have the initiative from the
beginning against the Netherlands. This is the knockout stage and falling
behind at any stage could be tricky,” admitted captain Tijani.
Tuesday’s clash will start at 8pm Brazil time (midnight
in Nigeria).
BRAZIL 2019 ROUND OF 16 MATCHES
Tuesday: Angola Vs Korea Republic;
Nigeria Vs Netherlands
Wednesday:
Japan Vs Mexico; Spain Vs Senegal; Brazil Vs Chile; France Vs Australia
Thursday: Ecuador Vs Italy; Paraguay
Vs Argentina
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