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| The Olympic Eagles after training in Asaba on Monday |
Football
Cup holders Nigeria has all to play for to earn a slot
in the finals of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Egypt in November, as
they take the pitch at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Tuesday trailing
Sudan by a lone goal.
A goal seconds to the end of the first half in
Omdurman on Thursday left the Olympic Eagles nursing a deficit, and Head Coach
Imama Amapakabo has said there would be no pulling punches from kick off on
Tuesday.
“We were unlucky to lose the first leg game, but there
is no need crying over spilt milk. Tuesday is here and the battle must be won.
We are the defending champions and we must be in Egypt to defend our title.”
The Olympic Eagles have been training in Asaba since
arriving in the Delta State capital on Sunday, and have been strengthened by
the arrival of former FIFA U17 World Cup –winning captain Kelechi Nwakali.
Nwakali will string things in midfield with captain
Azubuike Okechukwu, with Blessing Muyiwa, Sunusi Ibrahim, Stephen Odey and
Taiwo Awoniyi expected to do a better job of putting away opportunities this
time.
Goalkeeper Adamu Abubakar pulled a number of huge
saves in Omdurman, and is expected to start, with former U17 World Cup winner
John Lazarus and Ebube Duru at wing back.
As they file onto the pitch, Amapakabo’s charges will
recall that it was on the same turf they hit Libya by four goals to nothing in
the earlier round, after a two-goal reverse in Tunisia.
The Confederation of African Football has appointed
Guinean official Bangaly Konate as referee for the match, to be assisted by his
compatriots Mamady Tere (assistant referee 1), Abdoulaye Sylla (assistant
referee 2) and Tawel Younoussa Camara (fourth official). Mr. Luleseged Begashaw
Asfaw from Ethiopia will be the match commissioner.
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