2023 U20 World Cup: Ike Shorunmu dismisses Brazil, Italy threats for Nigeria

By Saheed Afolabi

Former Nigeria International, Ike Shorunmu has dismissed the threats Italy and Brazil will pose to the ambition of the Nigeria U20 men’s side at the U20 World Cup in Argentina.

The Flying Eagles have been pitted against Italy, Dominican Republic and Brazil in group D of the age grade tournament and must subdue their European and South American foes to fancy their chances of advancing.

And the former Super Eagles goalkeeper turned coach believes the Flying Eagles will reach the next round despite Italy and Brazil’s threats, while warning Ladan Bosso’s side against underestimating Dominican Republic.

“I have so much confidence that the Flying Eagles will qualify from a group that looks so difficult,” Shorunmu told Complete Sports.

“However, my biggest worry is Brazil and Italy because they will definitely be Nigeria’s biggest obstacles in the Group.

“I am not underestimating the Dominican Republic because if they are not good enough, they won’t be at this tournament. So, Nigeria must be wary of them as well.”

The Nigeria side would have to be at their best to scale through the group stage considering the threat that the two main challengers of Italy and Brazil pose to their ambition.

The Flying Eagles came close to winning the FIFA U17 World Cup on two occasions as they came second in 1989 and 2005.