Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will begin their quest for an eighth U-20 AFCON as they take on Senegal Today at the Cairo International stadium in Egypt
Ladan Bosso’s tutored side head into the competition in buoyant mood having won 18 and drawn one of their last 19 outings.
The Flying Eagles the standout team at the WAFU B U-20 regional tournament in May 2022 in Niger.
The Nigerian boys defeated eternal rivals, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Benin Republic to win the competition and secure a berth in Egypt 2023.
Speaking ahead of the encounter,coach of the Flying Eagles Ladan Bosso disclosed that team is ready to beat the best team in the tournament.
“The boys have been motivated, they are in good shape, we have the full support of everyone around us and we’re positive in whatever we do,” an upbeat Bosso said.
“We want to be the best and so we have prepared a team that will beat the best.”
“We can’t start well and finish badly.
“This team have more quality than the team to the 2007 World Cup that had players like Brown Ideye and Efe Ambrose,” he remarked.
Senegal will be the first team to test the readiness of the Flying Eagles at the U20 AFCON, and Bosso said he is clear of what is at stake on the day.
“This is a make or mar match,” he admitted.
Senegal will not be easy, but if we get it right, it could even be our easiest match.”
The Flying Eagles are the most successful side in the history of the U-20 having won the competition seven times in the past.
The West Africans won their first title in 1983 and last tasted success in the competition in 2015 edging out hosts Senegal 1-0 in the final.
The Flying Eagles have lost only two finals in 1999 and 2007 while finishing third on three occasions in 1995, 2005, 2013 and fourth in 2019.
They are making a return to the competition after missing out two years ago in Mauritania.
MATCH SCHEDULE (GROUP A)
19 February: Senegal – Nigeria, 19h00 Local time, Cairo International Stadium, Cairo
22 February: Nigeria – Egypt, 19h00 Local time, Cairo International Stadium, Cairo
25 February: Mozambique – Nigeria, 19h00 Local time, Cairo International Stadium, Cairo
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