Portugal and Nigeria face off in their first Under 20 World Cup group match on Friday afternoon.
Portugal is looking to win its third Championship and its first since 1991; the Portuguese won their first in 1989. Portugal finished in second place in 2011 when it lost against Brazil 3-2 in extra time. The current side boasts such offensive threats as Bruma and Andre Gomes.
Nigeria has finished in the top three on three separate occasions, including two finals appearances in 1989 and 2005. In the first final, Nigeria lost 2-0 against Portugal. In 2005, Nigeria lost 2-1 in the final against Argentina; Lionel Messi was the hero in that game with two goals.
"We're not under pressure and we hope to give our best for Nigeria," declared Nigeria striker Abduljaleel Ajagun at a pre-match briefing before Friday's match against Portugal.
"We have come here with a purpose and we won't disappoint Nigeria and Africa as a whole," added coach John Obuh. "We are, therefore, looking forward to improve on our previous records."
"That gave us an opportunity to look at them and they also looked at us. So, it was a big advantage for both teams," said Obuh about his opponents on Friday. "They are a team with character and we hope our strategy based on what we learnt about them will work in the match."
Prediction: Nigeria comes out on top with a 2-1 victory.
Start Time: 2 PM EST
TV: British EuroSport
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