It is a date with another set of Lion Cubs this afternoon and Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu has assured that Nigeria’s U20 boys are focused and determined to achieve a win that will guarantee them a place at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals.
Unbeaten in their group B campaign, the Flying Eagles however finished second behind another set of Lion Cubs from Morocco, and had to proceed to Ismailia for their game against title-holders Senegal. Senegal also finished second in their group C, which also included Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana and Central African Republic.
The 19-team finals have been whittled down to eight contenders, with Tanzania and Zambia eliminated in group A, Tunisia (despite their three points) and Kenya thrown out from group B and Central African Republic stopped in group C.
Eight teams remain in the 19-team finals after Tanzania and Zambia were eliminated in group A, Kenya and Tunisia were ousted from group B (despite their three points), and the Central African Republic was stopped in group C.
Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, the general secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, urged the seven-time champions to play differently this afternoon when they take on the Cup holders.
“I am confident that you are capable of handling the situation. The occasion is Monday since you have to win to earn a spot in the FIFA World Cup in addition to facing the reigning champions. Any team participating in a competition that serves as a qualifying round for a larger event has two goals: first, to qualify; and second, to win the prize.
“On Monday, you must return their prayers and encouragement with a World Cup ticket. The Nigerian football community and the NFF are cheering you on and supporting you to the fullest extent possible.”
After defeating Gambia 2-0 in the final, the Lion Cubs from Senegal defeated the Flying Eagles 1-0 in their opening game of the CAF U20 Championship two years ago at Cairo International Stadium. This victory was the Cubs’ first in the competition. In the same competition, Nigeria came in third.
Because only the semi-finalists would be able to represent Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile later this year, Nigeria knows they cannot afford to take any chances today.
Two years ago, during the most recent FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina, the Flying Eagles were within a whisker of making it to the semifinals.
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