Don Given’s Republic of Ireland Under-21 side will face a stiff test against Nigeria’s ‘Dream Team’ when they come face to face in Saturday’s second match of the Intercontinental Cup at 11.30am Irish time.
Nigeria has earned their moniker, ‘The Dream Team’ thanks to their efforts in successive Olympic Games since 1996.
Givens’ charges overcame competition hosts Malaysia in Wednesday’s tournament opener on a 3-1 scoreline thanks to a brace from Michael Collins followed by Stephen Ward’s first goal of the tournament.
The Nigerians are yet to play in this tournament but they come with a big reputation having finished as runners-up in the FIFA Under-20 World Championships three years ago.
Irish trio Michael Spillane (muscle strain), David Elebert (ankle) and James Berrett (knee) all sat out training today as a precaution but all three are expected to be in contention for a starting berth against the Nigerians.
Irish manager Don Givens will make changes for Saturday’s match as he takes into account the heat and humidity that the team will again face with kick-off coming three hours earlier than the Malaysian match, ensuring that the full strength of the sun will be focused upon his charges.
The Irish team will face a dual challenge when they take to the field at the MBPJ Stadium tomorrow evening as they will not only have to worry about the impressive tournament favourites, Nigeria, but they will also have to contend with 35 degree heat.
Givens, however, is confident that his team can cope with the challenges: ‘We have the Irish mentality which means that we will never give up in the face of any difficulty, this attitude will ensure that we are always competitive, no matter what the temperature is.
‘Our target is to get good experience for our young players but we do not like losing.’
