F’Eagles United For W/Cup Glory

Taiwo Awoniyi has said that the Flying Eagles greatest strength going into this month’s FIFA U20 World Cup is the unity among the players and officials in the team.
“Our biggest strength is outside the pitch of play. It is the unity among the players. We are a big, happy family,” striker Awoniyi said in an interview.
He further said that his own personal quality is playing for the team.
“On a personal level, scoring goals comes naturally to me. I also hold the ball up-front and try and bring my team-mates into the attack. I play for the team as well,” he explained.
Nigeria is yet to win the U20 World Cup, reaching the championship game in 1989 and 2005, but Awoniyi said the current Flying Eagles could change all that in New Zealand.
“I believe if there is continuity, as is the case with us now, from U-17s to U-20s, we can change all that (Nigeria not winning the U20 World Cup). We are very hopeful that we will be able to change it this year,” he predicted.
Meanwhile, Skipper Musa Muhammed has maintained that there are no automatic shirts in the Flying Eagles for the U20 World Cup and competition for places has been fierce as the deadline for the submission of a final squad draws nearer.
The Flying Eagles have to announce a final 21-man on Friday, May 15.
“Yes, there is a lot of tension in the team, every one of us is fighting to make the final squad,” Muhammed said
“We are all putting our lives on the line to be on the flight to New Zealand. The coaches now have the chance to pick the best to represent Nigeria.
“No one has an automatic shirt in the team, we all have to fight to be selected and the competition has been very fierce.
“The coach picks the team and I will be very proud and happy to make the final squad.”
The right fullback led Nigeria to win a record fourth FIFA U17 World Cup two years ago in the United Arab Emirates and was top scorer with four goals at the recent African Youth Championship in Senegal.

Waiting for attention during a past National Sports festival meet