Nigeria flying Eagles will be aiming for their first ever win over Brazil when they both meet in the final group D game at the ongoing 2023 FIFA World Cup in Argentina.
This will be the pair’s seventh meeting at this level and Nigeria are yet to record a win over the Samba boys. The previous six meetings have ended in four wins for Brazil and a share of the spoils on two occasions.
Their most recent meeting in the 2015 World Cup group game saw Brazil win 4-2 en route to topping their group.
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At the ongoing tournament in Argentina, Brazil started on a losing note to Italy before hitting six past Dominican Republic on Wednesday. On the other hand, Nigeria, who started as underdogs of the group, backed their opening day win over the Dominican Republic up with an even impressive showing against Italy to book their spot in the next round.
Speaking ahead of the game on Saturday, Ladan Bosso has charged his boys to go all out for the win against the South Americans.
“We acknowledge that Brazil has always been a hard nut to crack for our team at this level,” began the former FC Ifeanyi Ubah coach.
“We have lost a number of matches to them over the decades, but there is always a first time. We are riding on a wave of robust confidence and though we do not under-rate them, we certainly do not fear them.
“We have been able to fulfil our first objective for this championship: getting to the knockout stages. We will take it one match at a time from now onwards. We don’t want to take it easy and lose against Brazil; that will not be good for our winning mentality,” he concluded.
With qualification already secured for Bosso’s side, Brazil will provide another test, while they hope to maintain their brilliant start at the tournament.
The 53,000-capacity Estadio Ciudad de La Plata, close to Buenos Aires, is the venue for the big clash as Brazil seeks victory to be sure of a place in the last 16 while Nigeria only needs a draw from the encounter to finish top of the group. Kick-off time is 7pm (Nigerian time).
