As anticipation builds for the Flying Eagles’ crucial quarter-final clash against the Teranga Cubs of Senegal, the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, paid a motivational visit to the team’s camp on Saturday evening at the Mercure Hotel training ground in Isma’ilia.
During his address, Dr. Sanusi urged the players to give their all in the upcoming match, emphasizing the importance of securing a spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup by reaching the semi-finals.
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“I want to let you know that Nigerians are solidly behind you,” Dr. Sanusi told the squad. “The NFF President is passionate about youth football and is doing everything possible to ensure this team has the support it needs.”
He stressed that qualification for the World Cup was not only significant for the players’ careers but also for the country. “The World Cup ticket is crucial for you and for us. I urge you to play your hearts out and ensure we secure it by advancing to the semi-finals.”
The encounter against Senegal is more than just a knockout match. It serves as a direct gateway to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. In the current format of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, all four semi-finalists automatically qualify for the global tournament.
This raises the stakes significantly, as both Nigeria and Senegal know that victory in this quarter-final means punching their ticket to the world stage.
Nigeria, a historically dominant force in youth football, is eyeing a return to the global spotlight after missing out in previous editions.
Meanwhile, Senegal, who have shown impressive form in the group stage, are equally hungry to book their place among the world’s best.
With so much on the line, national pride, career-defining opportunities, and the promise of global exposure, the Flying Eagles are under intense pressure to deliver a top performance on Monday.
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