The Flying Eagles will be chasing all three points when they face Saudi Arabia in their second group match at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, following a narrow and frustrating loss to Norway on Monday.
Despite controlling much of the game and creating several scoring chances, the seven-time African champions were unable to find the net. Two penalty appeals were waved away by the referee, compounding their disappointment in a match they arguably deserved more from.
Victory in this fixture would greatly boost Nigeria’s chances of progressing to the Round of 16, with a decisive clash against Colombia still to come on Sunday.
Head Coach Aliyu Zubair remains optimistic, stating that the team has put the Norway result behind them and is fully focused on securing the win against Saudi Arabia. With all key players available for selection, Zubair is expected to maintain his preferred 4-3-3 formation, placing emphasis on possession and offensive play.
However, Israel Ayuma, Daniel Daga, and Charles Agada will need to tread carefully, having already received bookings that could rule them out of the final group game if repeated.
— NFF Communications Department
