Former Flying Eagles striker Eddy Dombraye has a word of caution for the Nigerian U-20 national team as they face off against Qatar in their opening game of the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup on Friday evening.

Dombraye was part of the Flying Eagles side that represented Nigeria at the 1999 FIFA U-20 World Youth Championship which Nigeria hosted but were eliminated at the quarterfinals stage by Mali after a 3-1 defeat to the West Africans that featured midfielder Seydou Keita that went on to play for Barcelona.

"I think opening games are very tricky and difficult especially when you don't know your opponents very well," stated the onetime Iwuanyanwu Nationale and Bendel Insurance player,'' said Dombraye to allnigeriasoccer.com.

"My advice to the team is to take it one game at a time,win the first game and it will give the team more confidence. I strongly believe the coach and the boys will qualify from the group.''

However Dombraye who also  played professional club football in Poland venue of this year's tournament for LKS Lodz revealed the identity of the Group D opponents that gives him a worry.

"I'm scared of the Ukrainian team. More than 12 of them have played together since European under 16 level,so they have some understanding and besides they have nothing to lose playing against Nigeria.

" This is because we are considered better than them and that's what am scared  about.

"Lastly the NFF should make sure that these so called football agents should let the boys concentrate during their World Cup campaign. They played some good friendly games while in Germany and hopefully they will have a good tournament," Dombraye concluded.

The Qatar versus Nigeria clash kicks off at 5pm Nigerian time.

Izuchukwu Okosi

Photo Credit : thenff.com