2025 FIFA U20 World Cup: Nigeria midfielder Daniel Daga backs team to overcome Saudi Arabia

Nigeria midfielder Daniel Daga is upbeat ahead of the Flying Eagles’ second group match at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup against Saudi Arabia.

After losing 1-0 in their opening Group F encounter to Norway, the Flying Eagles need a win to stay in contention for qualification to the knockout stage of the tournament.

Saudi Arabia are in a similar situation after also suffering a 1-0 defeat, losing to Colombia in their first game.

Daga, who plays his club football with Norwegian side Molde, believes Nigeria’s opening performance showed enough promise to inspire a turnaround.

“I’m confident because we lost our game against Norway that we deserved to win. I know Saudi Arabia lost their game too. It’s football, anything can happen, so we are hundred percent prepared and confident to go out there and get the three points,” he said.

He added, “I know Nigerians are disappointed for the first game but if they watched, they will know we deserved to win. I hope they are patient, support us, pray for us, and we’ll do our best to make our country proud tomorrow.”

The Group F encounter between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia is scheduled to kick off at 11 pm on Thursday, October 2.