Esperance striker Emeka Emerum has tipped the Flying Eagles to qualify for the Under 20 World Cup, billed to be staged in Turkey this summer, despite losing their first match against Mali on Sunday.

''I think they really played well against Mali but were unlucky not to score. I am confident they will do well in their next two matches in the competition.

''The players have to work harder and the strikers must improve on their finishing.

''I have strong belief the Flying Eagles will retain the trophy. I believe in the boys representing Nigeria in the tournament,'' Emerum told allnigeriasoccer.com.

Emeka Emerum played against the Flying Eagles in a friendly game before the start of the African Youth Championship.

He has ambitions of wearing the green and white jersey if the Flying Eagles qualify for the Fifa Under 20s.