Nigeria begins the race towards a successful defence of her Africa U-23 title in Tunisia today, when they take on their Libyan counterparts in a first round, first leg encounter of the qualification series.
Today’s encounter, which kicks off at 3pm Tunisia time (same as in Nigeria) on the artificial turf of the Ben Guerdane Stadium in Ben Guerdane, will see Nigeria’s Head Coach, Imama Amapakabo throws in his best dice for a good result ahead of the return leg in Asaba on Monday.
Amapakabo traveled with a good blend of homeboys and overseas-based professionals. Enyimba’s Dare Olatunji and Stephen Egbe and Wikki Tourists’ goalie, Adamu Abubakar among others, join Lobi Stars’ trio of John Lazarus, Ugochukwu Anumudu and Ebube Duru.
Former U-17 World Cup winners Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Nwakali, Kingsley Michael, Orji Okonkwo, Chidera Ezeh and Samuel Chukwueze are among the Europe-based who teamed up with the delegation in Tunisia.
Victory today would pave the way to the final round of qualifiers for the champions, which is due in June.
Meanwhile, CAF had appointed Ghanaian officials to take charge of proceedings, with Daniel Laryea as referee. Acheampong Brobbey is the assistant referee 1, while Emmanuel Allou is assistant referee 2 and Adaar Abdul Latif is the fourth official. Amir Osman Mohamed Amid from Sudan is the match commissioner.