'Our target is the final' - AS Trencin dazzler confident Flying Eagles can end 20-year wait at U20 WC

AS Trencin dazzler Sulieman Sani has expressed confidence in Nigeria's chances at the upcoming 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, stressing that the team’s ultimate target is to end a two-decade wait for a final appearance and go all the way to the title.

Nigeria last reached the final of the competition in 2005, when they finished as runners-up to Argentina. 

With the tournament set to begin next week, Sani believes the current squad has the right spirit, preparation, and determination to change that history.

"A lot of positive things have been happening in the camp," Sani, who plays his club football with AS Trencin in Slovakia, told Ademola Victor TV. 

"You can see the togetherness of the players and all the officials. Everything been going great, we’re in good shape and we’re looking forward to the tournament.  

"The tournament It’s a survival of the fittest, and if we’re going to prove ourselves there, then definitely we’re going to be crowned the winners. 

"Hopefully, we’re positive about everything and how we’ve been training according to the instructions of the coaches."

The attacker underlined the squad’s ambition, making it clear that the Flying Eagles have set their sights on the biggest prize. 

"Our target is to reach the final and take the tournament. Hopefully, we’ll be crowned the champions. That’s our target for this tournament,” he added.

Nigeria’s build-up to the tournament has been encouraging. The Flying Eagles recently rounded off preparations with a 3-1 victory over Australia, following a 1-1 draw with hosts Chile in their opening friendly in South America. 

The results have boosted confidence within the squad ahead of the competition.

The seven-time African champions are drawn in Group F alongside Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia. 

They will begin their campaign against Norway on Monday, September 29, at the Estadio Fiscal in Talca. 

The Flying Eagles will then face Saudi Arabia on October 2 before wrapping up their group stage fixtures against Colombia on October 5.

With optimism high in camp and a clear target set, the Flying Eagles will aim to start strong as they bid to bring the U20 World Cup trophy to Nigeria for the first time in history.

Wale Adejumo

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