Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has called on Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of the team as they prepare for their must-win clash against Saudi Arabia in the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup, Bold Sports reports.
Nigeria began their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Norway after conceding an early penalty, a result that left them bottom of Group F. With only the top two teams and the four best third-placed sides advancing to the round of 16, the Flying Eagles face a crucial battle to keep their hopes alive.
Zubairu admitted that the opening result was disappointing but urged fans to keep faith in the squad: “I’ve said it time without number, they should pray for us, we are not going to let them down. They should put the first match behind them, we are not happy about it too,” he said.
Reflecting on the Norway game, the coach insisted his players gave their all, even if the outcome did not favour them: “Anybody that watched the match knows the boys put in all their effort to make sure that we come out victorious but sometimes it’s like that in football. You may do everything humanly possible but still not get it right.”
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Despite the setback, Zubairu expressed strong belief that the Flying Eagles can bounce back in their remaining group fixtures.
“We believe it’s part of the game, but the remaining two matches I believe we’re going to have six points so that we can move ahead to the next level.”
The Flying Eagles take on Saudi Arabia at the Estadio Fiscal in Talca by 12:00am Nigerian time on Friday, before concluding their group stage campaign against Colombia.
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