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Flying Eagles have twice, come close to winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup but lost in the finals to Portugal (in 1989), and Argentina (in 2005).
Nigeria's Sports Minister Sunday Dare has commended the country's Under-20 side: the Flying Eagles, following their performance at the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, while also urging the team to begin immediate preparations for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The Flying Eagles wrapped up their campaign at the Egypt-hosted tournament by defeating Tunisia 4-0 in the third-place match, after having earlier fallen in the semifinal to The Gambia.
Beyond picking bronze in Egypt, Nigeria was named the Fairplay team of the tournament, with two Nigerian players named in the team of the tournament.
Having finished the tournament as one of the best four teams, Nigeria will alongside champions Senegal, runner-up Gambia and Tunisia, represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Indonesia.
Dare charge Flying Eagles
Upon return to the country, Dare pleaded that preparations be started immediately to enable the Flying Eagles put up a better performance in Indonesia, later in the year.
“You have returned from Egypt with the bronze medals and the FIFA World Cup ticket, and a few other prizes, but the FIFA World Cup is in a few weeks and I want you to focus your mind on winning it for Nigeria for the first time," the Sports Minister said to the team in a welcome party in Abuja on Monday.
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"I understand Ghana is the only African country that has won the FIFA U20 World Cup. If Ghana can win it, why not Nigeria?
“I am happy about your performance in Egypt because you were able to come from a position of adversity – a depressing loss to The Gambia in the semi-final – to fire on all cylinders to defeat Tunisia for the bronze medals.
"That is the spirit that the Government and people of Nigeria want you to take to the World Cup.
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"We are on the same page with the NFF on adequate preparation of our National Teams for matches and competitions, and I believe they will provide you with good-enough preparation for the global finals in Indonesia,” he concluded.
Flying Eagles to surpass 1989, 2005 outings?
Picking bronze in Egypt means that Nigeria have now finished third on four occasions, at the Africa U-20 level.
Nigeria last featured at the 2019 World Cup in Poland, where they reached the Round of 16.
On the world stage, the Flying Eagles came close to becoming world champions but lost in the finals to Portugal (in 1989), and Argentina (in 2005).
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