By Oluwamayowa Fakande
The National Sports Commission has hailed Nigeria’s Under 20 team, the Flying Eagles, for booking their place in the FIFA U20 World Cup after a hard-fought quarter final win over defending champions Senegal at the ongoing AFCON U20 tournament in Egypt.
The Eagles’ 1-0 victory at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia on Monday not only secured a spot in the semi finals but also sealed qualification for the global showpiece in Chile next year.
Reacting to the triumph, the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, praised the team for their steady rise and strong mentality throughout the tournament.
“The boys were clearly the better side against Senegal and their improvement has been visible in every game,” Dikko said.
He commended the Nigeria Football Federation and the coaching crew led by Aliyu Zubairu for what he described as the product of solid preparation and teamwork. “On behalf of all Nigerians and Mr President, I urge the boys to stay focused and bring the trophy home.”
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the qualification as another shining moment in Nigeria’s growing list of sporting achievements.
He credited the success to the federal government’s renewed commitment to grassroots sports development and adequate funding of sports federations.
“We are seeing the results of strategic investments and planning across various sports. This is not luck; this is intentional progress,” Olopade stated.
With a World Cup ticket in hand, the Flying Eagles now shift their focus to a semi final clash against South Africa, while Egypt faces Morocco in an all north African tie.
