The Flying Eagles will face Italy in their second game at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, with a win enough to advance to the knockout round.
Nigeria defeated debutants Dominican Republic 2-1 in their opening encounter at the age-grade competition and will face Italy on Wednesday knowing that a win will advance them to the round of 16 in Argentina.
Italy, for their part, defeated heavyweights Brazil 3-2 to top Group D, and a win for either team will guarantee their dominance in the group.
The matchday two encounter is the second time both sides will clash at this level. Nigeria and the Little Blues first met in the 1987 edition when Italy defeated Nigeria 2-0.
But Nigeria have participated 13 times in the competition, winning it five times against Italy’s best outing, a third place finish at the 2017 edition.
At the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas Stadium, Coach Ladan Bosso’s boys are expected to seal early passage to the next stage.
Bosso is hoping that his boys will be more clinical when they take on the Europeans.
“Against Dominican Republic, we saw what they could do and we were able to subdue them. We missed so many chances and we need to work on those chances before the next match,” the gaffer said ahead of tomorrow’s game.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles and Italy take to the pitch at 7:00 pm (Nigerian/WAT) on Wednesday, May 24th, 2023.