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When Nigeria's Flying Eagles take on Venezuela in Group B of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009 this Friday, they will be eager to end a hoodoo that stretches back for more than 25 years and that has seen them fail to beat South American opposition in eight finals appearances. Indeed it is a curious piece of trivia, considering that Nigeria have enjoyed considerable success at the tournament, reaching the final on two occasions and recording one third-place finish. Nevertheless, their record against South American sides makes for uncomfortable reading. Brazil have accounted for three defeats (3-0 at Mexico 1983, 2-0 at USSR 1985 and 4-0 Chile 1987), while the Eagles have also been grounded by Paraguay (2-1 at Nigeria 1999), Argentina (2-1 at Netherlands 2005) and Chile (4-0 at Canada 2007). Their solitary piece of cheer came against Brazil in 2005, when they managed a scoreless draw. "This time it will be different," said attacking midfielder Yakubu Alfa when speaking to FIFA.com ahead of Friday's game. "We're heading into the event convinced we can go all the way, and if we're to do that then we have to be able to beat everyone, including Venezuela." Alfa has every reason to feel confident, being a survivor of the team that won the FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007, where they posted victories over Colombia and Argentina en route to the final. "We certainly learned a lot about the South Americans two years ago, but this is a different competition. Now everyone has players plying their trade in Europe and this will influence the games," said Yakubu, who plays his club football with Helsingborgs IF of Sweden. That game against Colombia was especially memorable for the youngster, with the goal he scored that day being chosen by users of FIFA.com as the best of the tournament. "It's a nice memory, and of course I'd love to score against a South American side again. I'll wait for my chance to come and when it does I hope I can contribute with a goal," said the modest midfielder. Venezuela, however, are well worthy of respect. "Although we haven't seen videos of them, the manner by which they have overtaken Argentina says a lot. Like all South American teams, they play well collectively. It certainly won't be easy and we'll have to work especially hard to impose ourselves on them." The sense of confidence is not confined to the squad itself, with Nigeria widely considered as genuine title contenders this time around. Will this bring unwanted pressure on the squad? "No, because we're a solid team made up of good players. It should serve as a reminder of our potential and that we can really do well in this tournament. At the same time we have to be careful, because our opponents will be wary of us and will be trying that bit harder to beat us." Still only 18, Alfa always knew he was going to be a footballer, and is the fourth member of his family to make his way in the game. Perhaps therein lays the source of the quiet confidence he exudes in the build-up to Friday's opener: "We're ready to go and I have every confidence we'll emerge victorious."