The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria are seeking a record fourth FIFA U17 World Cup at the United Arab Emirates from this week.
The competition kicked off on Thursday with Nigeria’s first game on Saturday against holders Mexico.
The Golden Eaglets have won the title three times, in 1985, 1993 and 2007. They were also runners-up 1987, 2001 and 2009.
Brazil are the other team to have won the FIFA U17 World Cup thrice.
Nigeria qualified for the 2013 edition of the tournament by finishing second in the African Championship held in Morocco earlier in the year after they lost 5-4 on penalties to Cote d’Ivoire after the West African derby ended 1-1 after regulation.
Nigeria thrashed Ghana 6-1 in group opener, lost to Cote d’Ivoire 1-0 and beat Congo 7-0 to top Group B. The Eaglets went ahead to beat Tunisia 4-2 in the semi finals.
They played series of friendly games in Nigeria ahead of the World Cup and trained in Dubai for two weeks ahead of the tournament.
Though they will be without some of the key members from Africa championship like Bernard Bulbwa, Ahmed Umar and Ifeanyi Matthew, the team are as solid as ever to do Africa proud with top scorer Isaac Success, Kelechi Iheanacho, Habeeb Makanjuola and captain Mohammed Musa leading the charge.
