Flying Eagles tackle Saudi Arabia, Ayegbeni visits camp

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia U20 squads are at each other’s jugular in Vienna, Austria tomorrow as both teams continue to perfect their preparations for this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Poland.
 
Both teams were scheduled to clash in a friendly in Jeddah earlier in the year but unforeseen events led to the cancellation. That meeting was meant to prepare seven –time African champions Nigeria for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals in Niger Republic in February.
 
With both teams having qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals, tomorrow’s encounter has even higher relevance, only weeks before the World Cup opens in Poland.

“I have played in the youth sides for Nigeria and I know what it means to these young lads (the Flying Eagles) to represent their country, “ the former striker said. “It was a pleasure to come here and speak with the boys and also encourage them go all out and do the country proud.
 
“I am happy with what I’ve seen in training and I urge them not to rest on their oars. They have the quality to do the country proud.”Ayegbeni also applauded the technical crew for the blend of home-based and overseas-based players in the squad. The former Portsmouth striker opined that the blend will do Nigeria good as he also expressed happiness in meeting his former Super Eagles team-mate Wilson Oruma.
 
“The blend is good and I hope the boys will bond well before the tournament starts. The technical crew has done well with what I’ve seen and I believe Nigeria will go far in the competition. I urge them to win the Cup to celebrate President Buhari’s victory in the last elections. I am also very happy to meet Wilson (Oruma). He’s my former teammate and brother and it is nice seeing him today. I wish the team all the best in Poland and hopefully they win the trophy for the first time,” Ayegbeni added.