FIFA U20 World Cup: Italy and Brazil are no threat to Nigeria – Demeji Lawal

Nigeria are drawn into the group of death (Group D) alongside Brazil, Italy, and the Dominican Republic and the  two-time World Cup finalists will begin campaign on May 21 against Dominican Republic.

Lawal who was part of then Flying Eagles that lost to Portugal in the final of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Saudi Arabia in 1989 insists that Italy and Brazil posed no threats to the 2015 African champions.

“I was part of the team that played against Italy in the quarter-final of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Saudi Arabia in 1989 and we won them,” the former international told BSN Sports.

“So, for me, I don’t think both teams (Brazil and Italy) are threats. But it depends on how they prepared and how honest the coach is with his team. The coach should grow above influences and get the best legs to represent Nigeria.

“We have enormous talents capable of beating any team in the world. If we defeated Italy in the quarter-final in 1989 and Nigeria beat Brazil in 1996 at the Olympics hosted by the USA, then I see no reason why this team can beat the two teams to qualify for the knock-out stage.”

The FIFA U20 World Cup which commences on 20th May, 2023 will be hosted by the most successful country at the tournament, Argentina.

In the Round of 16, the four best third-placed teams will be matched with the winners of groups A, B, C, and D.