Nigeria’s youth national team, Flying Eagles are billed to hit Saudi Arabia this weekend, as they go for an international friendly against their hosts on Tuesday, footballlive.ng gathered.
The match, which is part of the Flying Eagles’ build-up programme for next month’s Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Niger Republic, will bring alive memories of Nigeria’s historic outings against the Saudis.
One of such was at the 1989 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Scotland, during which Saudi Arabia shocked Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets in the group stage and went on to win the competition in amazing fashion.
Tuesday’s game will also rekindle memories of the opening match of the FIFA U20 World Cup of the same year, hosted by Saudi Arabia, in which the Flying Eagles romped from behind to beat them 2-1 at King Fahd International Stadium on February 16, 1989.
In that match, Al Suraiti got the Saudis in front after 16 minutes but Mutiu Adepoju and Christopher Ohenhen got second half goals that earned Nigeria three precious points.
The Flying Eagles eventually finished that year’s tournament as runners-up, after losing the final 2-0 against Portugal.
The Nigeria’s team’s administrator, Aliyu Ibrahim Lawal disclosed that all arrangements are in top gear for the seven time African champions to fly out of Nigeria this weekend for the game billed to hold in Jeddah.
Coach of the side, Paul Aigbogun is expected to travel to Jeddah with the squad he will use in Niger Republic for the U20 AFCON, where Nigeria will contest in Group A against South Africa, Burundi and the hosts.
