Flying Eagles captain, Ikouwen Udoh, has emphasised on the importance of the team starting their campaign at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Niger on a positive note, reports Completesports.com.
Paul Aigbogun’s charges will begin their quest for Nigeria’s eighth title when they face minnows Burundi at the Stade Seyni Kountche, Niamey.
Kick-Off is 7.30pm Nigerian time. The game will be preceded by the opening match between hosts Niger and the Amajita of South Africa.
A win against the Burundians will put the Nigerian lads in pole position for a berth in the semi-final which guarantees a place at the FIFA U-20 World
Cup to be hosted by Poland in May.
Udoh, who plays for Nigeria Professional Football League club, Enyimba reckons a win will boost their confidence ahead of subsequent games in the competition.
“It is important we start the competition on a good note by beating Burundi. We don’t want to put ourselves under pressure, so the best thing is for us to go for a win in the game,” Udoh informed Completesports.com.
“I know they are not one of the big names on the continent, but we have to respect them and give our best. All the eight teams here have the potentials to win the competition.
“We want to take it one game at a time. We have our target coming here which is picking the World Cup ticket and winning the competition.”
The Flying Eagles will also face South Africa on Tuesday, February 5 and the hosts Niger Republic on Friday, February 8.
By Adeboye Amosu
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