Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will kick off their quest for glory at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile with the spotlight firmly on teenage striker Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi, Soccernet.ng reports.
The youngster who dons the colour of Mjøndalen IF Fotball has been widely tipped as the nation’s next big attacking star.
The 18-year-old forward, already christened “the new Victor Osimhen” for his pace, and ruthless finishing, has vowed the team is prepared to give everything as they aim to end Nigeria’s 20-year wait for a final appearance at this level.
“It’s really good,” Arierhi told Ademola Victory in camp. “The boys and I are preparing very well and doing our best. We are learning new things in training that we can execute at the tournament. I strongly believe that we are ready for this. We’ll give our best and do what we know how to do best.”
The Flying Eagles have been drawn in Group F alongside Norway, Colombia, and Saudi Arabia, with their opening fixture against Norway on September 29. Nigeria last reached the U20 World Cup final in 2005, losing to Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
For Arierhi, who fired Nigeria to U20 WAFU glory with a brace in the final against Ghana, this is another tournament to showcase his talents, this time on the global stage.
Kparobo Arierhi on what to expect for Flying Eagles
Despite a quiet U20 AFCON campaign earlier this year where Nigeria settled for bronze, the youngster insists the team’s hunger remains undiminished.
“I would say the AFCON didn’t give us what we really wanted, but now we have the opportunity to play at the World Cup,” he said. “I believe we are going to give everything, make our country proud, and also make ourselves and our families proud.”
Arierhi, who plays his club football in Norway, is particularly relishing the chance to face familiar faces when Nigeria take on the Scandinavians in their group opener.
“It’s really nice because I know some of my friends who play for the Norway national team,” he added. “It will be exciting to face them on the same pitch. But at the end of the day, we’ll focus on giving our best and doing everything possible to get the points.”
Alex Iwobi on Kparobo
Fulham FC star Alex Iwobi has recently encouraged Arierhi to emulate or even surpass Osimhen, who is currently the second all-time goalscorer of the Super Eagles.
“Yo, Kparobo, I’ve just seen some of your clips and your finishes,” Iwobi said. “Keep going, man. You’ve got great technique and great composure as a number nine, so maybe you could be the next Osimhen, or even better.”
As the Flying Eagles brace for their opener against Norway, Nigerian fans will be hoping Arierhi’s promise and the team’s hunger combine to deliver a campaign to cheer for.
