Flying Eagles forward Benjamin Precious has confidently declared that Nigeria will overpower Morocco when the two teams meet in their crucial second Group B match at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. Speaking ahead of the clash, Benjamin acknowledged Morocco’s strength but was emphatic about Nigeria’s superiority.
“They also won their first game, they are a very technical side, but we are stronger than that. We are sure of everything,” he asserted.
Nigeria’s campaign began on a strong note with a 1-0 win over Tunisia, courtesy of a composed first half finish from Auwal Ibrahim. The result has fuelled belief within the squad, with Benjamin highlighting the team’s unity, focus, and the positive influence of the coaching staff.
“Our coaches are always telling us something, we remain focused, dedicated, and our eyes are on picking the qualification,” he said, reaffirming the team’s ambition.
As the showdown with Morocco draws near, Benjamin delivered a message not just to their opponents, but to Nigerian supporters everywhere: “We are determined to play this game and we are sure of victory. We are rated the best and better side anytime, any day.”
Editorial
There’s confidence, and then there’s conviction and Flying Eagles forward Benjamin Precious is brimming with the latter. His comments ahead of Nigeria’s clash with Morocco may raise eyebrows, but they also reflect the hunger and swagger that define championship-calibre teams.
In youth football, self-belief can be a game-changer. And this Nigerian team, fresh off a composed win over Tunisia, looks to have found its rhythm early. What’s most encouraging is not just Benjamin’s boldness, but his emphasis on teamwork, focus, and coaching. These aren’t just teenagers with talent—they’re a group that’s buying into a system and executing it with intent.
Morocco will not be pushovers. But Nigeria’s mindset going into the tie could tilt the balance. If Benjamin and his teammates can match their confidence with discipline on the pitch, the Super Eagles’ next generation may soon be soaring into the knockout rounds.
Did You Know?
- Benjamin Precious is one of several Flying Eagles stars developed through regional youth academies supported by the Nigeria Football Federation’s talent ID programmes.
- Nigeria is the most successful team in U-20 AFCON history, with seven titles to their name.
- Morocco’s U-20 side won the African Games football gold medal in 2013 their only major youth title to date.
- The Flying Eagles last reached the final of the U-20 AFCON in 2019, finishing as runners-up to Mali.
- Auwal Ibrahim, who scored the winner against Tunisia, was the top scorer in the 2024 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship.
