Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are ready to pit their wits against
European champions Germany on Thursday to decide who makes the last eight of the
ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup.
The African champions earned a Round of 16 tie against
Germany after finishing second in Group F with fantastic victories over Korea
DPR and Hungary despite losing their first game against Brazil.
It’s a clash of continental champions that promises a lot
with both teams having looked in superb form so far.
Germany have been in fine scoring form during their three
group matches, finding the net 16 times, surpassing the record for most goals
scored in the group stages held by Brazil since 1997 (15) while at the same
time beating their own previous best of 14 strikes set in 1987.
This German team is fearsome and quite frankly a favourite
to lift the trophy. They crushed Fiji 8-1 before whipping Uzbekistan 3-0. And in
their last group game, the Germans didn’t let off steam at all, effortlessly
dispatching Honduras 5-1.
Yet it would be unwise to belittle the challenges of Coach
Manu Garba’s team.
The Nigerians are an exciting attacking bunch (their eight
goals scored a striking testament), with a growing solidity at the back, having
recorded two clean sheets in three games. The Flying Eagles’ defeat to Brazil remains
the only blemish from the Africans’ tournament.
The team’s perceived weakness is also improving. Goalkeeper
Joshua Enaholo allowed two cheeky goals against Brazil but repaid the coach’s
continued trust in him by providing solid performances against Korea DPR and
Hungary.
The Nigerian custodian also proved to be an equally
effective provider in his side’s match against Hungary. He supplied the assist
as his long throw-out caught Hungary’s high defensive line off-guard and landed
in the path of Taiwo Awoniyi, who skipped past the sole remaining opponent and
slotted the ball home to give Nigeria an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Match Facts
Stadium Name: Christchurch Stadium
City: Christchurch
Year constructed: 2012
Overall Capacity: 17308
Referee: Fahad AL MIRDASI (Saudi Arabia)
Nigeria and Germany have met twice at the FIFA World U20
championships with both teams recording a win apiece.
The last time both teams met in 2009, two late German goals
turned around the game as the Europeans edged the Flying Eagles 3-2.
To help Frank Wormuth’s side to a repeat outing will be
skipper Kevin Akpoguma who incidentally could have been wearing the Nigerian
colours.
“I’m half-Nigerian as my father is Nigerian, and I’m glad to
be able to say that,” the Germany captain Akpoguma told FIFA.com “This match is already a special one for me;
my parents are here and Thursday will be even more memorable for my Dad.
Although he’ll have both his Germany and Nigeria flags at the ready for when
the national anthems are played, in the end he’ll just be happy if his son gets
to the next round.”
Born and raised in Germany, Akpoguma has not forgotten is
Nigerian roots having visited Nigeria twice to see his grandparents who still live
in Benin City.
But Nigeria have their own messiah in Saviour Godwin.
The youngster was not a player many had predicted would take
much part in a team boasting the raw attacking talents of Isaac Promise and
Kelechi Iheanacho, but Godwin has seized the opportunity given to him by helping
Nigeria get into gear, scoring twice in a 4-0 spanking of Korea DPR.
“He’s a lad I know well because he was in our squad
when we won the U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in 2013,”
explained Coach Garba. “I put him in my starting XI for tactical reasons.
He’s quick, holds the ball up well and he can shoot with both feet. His
qualities seemed useful for taking on Korea DPR. Saviour responded in the right
way, even if he can still do more. But it’s true that his two goals did us a
lot of good.”
One thing is clear; Saviour Godwin and his team mates will
have to be at their very best if the Flying Eagles hope to defeat the European
champions and qualify for the quarter finals.