The Flying Eagles have maintained they are not intimidated by Italy’s super start to the U20 World Cup and will even fancy their chances against the Young Azzuris tonight.
On Sunday, Italy shocked Brazil 3-2 to go top of Group D, while the Flying Eagles edged past the Dominican Republic 2-1.
Both teams are therefore set for an epic showdown from 7pm tonight in Mendoza very much aware qualification to the knockout rounds of the tournament is at stake.
Striker Emmanuel Umeh has predicted a win for the Flying Eagles.
“I am confident we’re going to defeat Italy and we will grow strong in this tournament,” declared the Botev Plodiv striker, who was a second-half sub Sunday.
“We watched them against Brazil and we know what to expect because they are really a good side, and we see this as extra motivation to prove people wrong and to make our country proud.”
“If a team could beat Brazil, you know they are a very good side, but we are not scared of any team, added skipper Daniel Bameyi.
“We are Nigeria, we’ll fight for a good result. No team is unbeatable.”
Italy stopped Nigeria 2-0 in a group game at the 1987 edition of the competition in Chile.
A win or a draw tonight will seal qualification to the Round of 16 for the Flying Eagles.
