Flying Eagles captain Oluwatosin Adegbite has told www.aclsports.com that his side are prepared for the hardest hurdle in their WAFU UFOAB U20 campaign next Tuesday.
The Nigeria U20s drew 2-2 with Burkina Faso on Wednesday to seal a place in the semi-final of the regional tournament which is serving as qualifiers for next year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Speaking from Niamey, the intelligent centre back expressed delight in the team’s qualification for the next round and assures that they are fully prepared for what he calls the “hardest hurdle”.
“I am happy we got the result we needed against Burkina Faso despite the difficulty. We are relieved as a team for the progress,” Adegbite told www.aclsports.com
“We know what it means to be at this stage and we know that it is the hardest hurdle yet, but we are prepared for it.”
The Enyimba centre back led out the Nigerians in both matches, putting up superlative performances mixed with top quality leadership from the back.
He adds that the Ladan Bosso-led side will be ready to face any team in the semi final, knowing that a win will seal a spot at the continental championship for them.
“We watch all the games as well and we know the strengths of all the teams. We don’t have any preference on our semi-final opponents but we are ready to face any opposition. Our goal is to get to the final and win the trophy,” said Adegbite.
Nigeria’s semi final opponents will be known on Friday at the conclusion of Group A matches with Benin presently in pole position to face the Flying Eagles.
Nigeria will be without young attacker Ahmed Abdullahi for the remainder of the tournament after the head injury he sustained during the draw against Burkina Faso on Wednesday.
