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Flying Eagles Set For Crucial Tie Against Ukraine
After a below par outing against Team USA in Bielsko-Biala on Monday night, Nigeria’s U20 boys know they must earn a result against group leaders Ukraine at the same venue on Thursday to prolong their stay at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Poland.
Goals by Sebastian Soto and a sterling performance by the entire USA squad condemned the seven –time African champions to a 2-0 defeat. They still have three points and two goals advantage from their defeat of Qatar in Tychy on Friday, but any slip could be costly for further interest in the tournament.
Although they already have a spot in the Round of 16, Ukraine could still finish third on the log and be condemned to face the first –placed team in Group B (race still between Italy and Japan). That is, if they lose to Nigeria and USA, on three points as Nigeria, racks up a big win over Qatar.
Both teams go toe-to-toe at the Bielsko-Biala Stadium as from 7.30pm Nigeria time on Thursday, with the Flying Eagles determined to take the game to their opponents and get a win.
However, Paul Aigbogun’s boys will do well to avoid the kind of lethargic start they contrived against USA, and put together more fluent attacking moves complemented by clinical finishing.
If they end up as group D winners, the Flying Eagles will travel back to Tychy to play a third-placed team in the Round of 16 on Monday. If they finish in second place, they would be off to Bydgoszcz to play the winner of group E (which has another African flagbearer Mali, as well as France, Panama and Saudi Arabia). And if they end up as one of the best third-placed teams, they would be off to Lodz to play the winner of group B.
Whatever their gameplan for Thursday night’s encounter, Aigbogun’s wards must watch out for Ukraine’s Denys Popov, who has scored two of the Ukrainian side’s three goals at the championship so far, as well as Serhi Buletsa, who scored one of their goals against USA.
Two of Africa’s three other representatives, Mali and Senegal, are also on good ground to reach the knockout rounds. Senegal top Group A after amassing six points from beating Tahiti and Colombia, while Mali perch in second place in Group E with four points after drawing with Panama and edging Saudi Arabia in a seven-goal thriller. South Africa, after losses to Argentina and the Korea Republic, is pointless in group F.
Featured
Governor Obaseki Congratulates Edo Citizens on Prestigious National Award
By Esho Ayemoba in Benin
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated citizens of Edo State origin who have been bestowed with prestigious national awards, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s development.
The governor, in a statement, lauded the awardees for their immense contributions to the socioeconomic growth and development of the country and for being worthy ambassadors.
He said, “It is with great pride that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the esteemed citizens of Edo State origin who have been bestowed with prestigious national awards, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s development and for being worthy ambassadors of our beloved country.
“I offer my felicitations to Augustine Oyarekhua Alegeh SAN, Chief (Dr) Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea and Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, on their distinguished investiture with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) awards.
“I also applaud Charles Ekhoeutowmen Idahosa and Maj. Gen. Anthony Bamidele Omozoje for their meritorious conferment of the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) awards.”
The governor continued, “Furthermore, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) awards, Dr. Mrs. Owen Omogiafo and Victor Ifijeh. Their exceptional achievements deserve commendation.
“I must also commend Victor Osimhen, who has been honoured with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) award for his remarkable exploits in the realm of football, which have earned you global acclaim.
“As a government, we take immense pride in the fact that you, our sons and daughters, have attained a well-deserved elevated status for your outstanding achievements and for raising the bar in your different pursuits and spheres of influence.”
“We extend our best wishes for success in all your future endeavours, as you continue to enhance the reputation of our dear state and nation,” Obaseki added.
Maj. Gen. Omozoje, attended Eghosa Anglican Grammar School, Benin-City, graduating with excellent grades in 1984, this was before attending the Nigeria Defence Academy Kaduna and other prestigious Military schools overseas.
He is currently the Chief of Policy and Planning, Nigeria Army, Abuja.
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