Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will look to book a place in the semi-final of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations when they face hosts Niger Republic today (Friday) in their final Group A clash at the Stade Seyni Kountche, Niamey, reports Completesports.com.
Qualification into the last four also guarantees a spot at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup to be staged in Poland in May.
Paul Aigbogun’s men started the competition with a 2-0 win against Burundi but were frustrated by the Amajita of South Africa who held them to a 0-0 draw in their second game on Tuesday.
The West Africans sit at the top of Group A standings with four points from two games and need only a draw to be sure of their passage into the last four and a berth at the World Cup.
Niger occupy second position with two points, same points as the South Africans who sit in third position but the former have a better goal difference.
Also Read: U-20 AFCON: Aigbogun Focuses On Nigeria Vs Niger After Draw Vs South Africa
The hosts are not taking anything by granted, and they believe they are good enough to end the Flying Eagles participation in the competition.
The Young Mena head coach, Ismaila Tiémoko insists his charges have it takes to beat their more illustrious opponent.
”Impossible is not Nigerien, We will be entitled to a fair game and very open as it is the third match that is synonymous with qualification or elimination,”Tiémoko told reporters on Thursday.
“We will make every effort to beat Nigeria to snatch the qualification.”
South Africa and Burundi will do battle in the other Group A clash in Maradi. Both matches will kick-off simultaneously at 4.30 pm Nigerian time.
By Adeboye Amosu
1 Comment
3 1 be score