Nigeria U-20 team will face Dominican Republic in the opening match of Group D of the 2023 U-20 World Cup. SPORTSRATION presents the preview of the match.
GAME DETAILS
competition. Argentina 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup
Round. group stage
Convenience. Nigeria vs Dominican Republic
date Sunday, May 20, 2023
The placeEstadio Malvinas Argentina, Mendoza
time 19:00
HEAD TO HEAD
Nigeria and the Dominican Republic will meet for the first time.
ABOUT THE CRIME
Both countries will be looking for a positive start to the tournament in this match. The thought of facing the mighty Italy and Brazil in the other Group B games will be motivation to win here.
Nicknamed the Flying Eagles, Nigeria’s U-20 team will be making their 13th appearance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup against Dominican Republic, who will be competing in the tournament for the first time.
The Nigerian national team is led by coach Ladan Bosso. Walter Rosales is the head coach of the Dominican Republic U-20 national team.
To qualify for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina, Nigeria finished 4th in the U-20 AFCON tournament.
For the Dominican Republic, they reached the CONCACAF U20 final for the first time in 2022. A 6-0 drubbing by the USA ended their title hopes, but a World Cup berth was already secured.
TEAM NEWS
There were no injury reports from either team’s camps.
For Nigeria, Ladan Bosso will make a decision on Victor Eletu’s fitness after arriving late in camp for the opener.
The talented AC Milan Under-19 star is likely to start from the bench against the Dominican Republic.
Dominican Republic head coach Walter Rosales is expected to field most of the boys in the CONCACAF U-20 final against Nigeria.
His favorite formation is a 3-4-3, with Jungbauer Jenao, Manon Garcia and Vasquez Silverio protecting goalkeeper Bello Guzmán at the back.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Nigerian coach Ladan Bosso
“A win against the Dominican Republic on Sunday will cement our winning mentality,” he told thenff.com.
“That’s an important factor in championships and that’s why we’re determined to win on Sunday.”
Dominican Republic coach Walter Rosales
“We have to look at Nigeria, who are our first opponents, try to find the best ways and go into those games with the best weapons and try to get the best result possible.”
“The important thing is that we are all very happy because we are getting closer to the goal, which is to reach the event in the best shape and in the best mood.”
SPORTSRATION SAYS
Nigeria will start as favorites against the Dominican Republic. Anything short of a Flying Eagles win would be a huge surprise.