Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will on Thursday begin their quest for an eighth Africa U20 title when they file out against the Junior Carthage Eagles of Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, www.aclsports.com reports.
Nigeria – Africa’s most successful team at this level – are chasing an eighth title in Egypt. Led by Aliyu Zubairu, the Flying Eagles team, that successfully defended their WAFU B crown last October, will aim to go one step further by reaching the final at least.
Zubairu is excited that his boys are brimming with confidence following a 2-1 defeat of host nation Egypt in a friendly match at the Cairo International Stadium.
“That result has provided a good impetus for us as we prepare to face the Tunisians – another North African opposition. You need a result like that when you’re preparing for a competition like this. It does not mean that we will rest on our oars; it only serves to give us much-needed confidence and ginger us to face our challenges better.
“We will go for the maximum points against the Tunisians and then take it one step at a time as we forge ahead,” the Elkanemi head coach concluded.
The Group B opener between the two sides is a repeat of the Final 40 years ago which Nigeria won the second of their seven African titles, in the era when the winner was decided over two legs.
More recently two years ago, the Carthage Eagles again lost to Nigeria in the third-place match of the U20 AFCON, also hosted by Egypt.
Tunisia, who did not originally qualify for these finals, replaced original hosts Cote d’Ivoire just weeks before the tournament.
After Thursday’s battle with Tunisia, the seven-time champions will be up against 1997 hosts and winners Morocco, also at the 30 June Stadium.
All four semi-finalists at the tournament will qualify to fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, 27th September – 19th October.
