The Flying Eagles will face a tougher team on Saturday when they take on Brazil at the Estadio Único Diego Armando Maradona, La Plata in their final Group D fixture of the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup.

Nigeria registered straightforward wins against Dominican Republic and Italy in their opening two matches to top Group D heading into the final round of games. 

However, the Flying Eagles could find themselves in third place should they lose to the Brazilians and the Italians thrash whipping boys Dominican Republic as expected. 

Gremio midfielder Ronaldo has stressed that Brazil are targeting a win against the Flying Eagles in order not to depend on the results of other matches in Group D and elsewhere to seal qualification to the round of 16.

"It's very important. We know that this confrontation with Nigeria will be very difficult. It's World Cup," Ronald told the official website of the Brazilian Football Federation. 

"The World Cup doesn't have an easy game and we're going to go in very concentrated to get this classification stamped

"“Well, for us, Brazil always has to be first. The more Brazil seeks the first place, the better, but the most important thing is to qualify in this World Cup. We're going to look for that.

"It doesn't matter if it's first, second or third. But if it's first, even better".

Nigeria are seeking their first win against the Brazilians in a competitive game at this level, having lost four of their five previous meetings at the FIFA U20 World Cup while drawing the other at the 2005 edition of the tournament where they finished as the runners-up.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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