Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will battle for a ticket in the final of the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations when they lock horns with the Junior Eagles of Mali in the tournament’s semi final at the Stade General Seyni Kountche today.
The Seven-time champions, won the Group A that had host nation Niger Republic, South Africa and Burundi, finishing with seven points, defeating Burundi and Niger Republic while drawing with South Africa, while Mali finished second in Group B with six points after victories over Burkina Faso and Ghana, and defeat by Senegal.
Head Coach Paul Aigbogun said on Tuesday that, having met the first target of a FIFA World Cup ticket, his boys will play the remaining matches without any pressure and would turn out to be much better.
“We set the World Cup ticket as our first target for the championship. We have that now, so we are relaxed to go in their and give our best for the second target of winning the trophy, while playing without tension or stiffness.”
Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr, who is with the Flying Eagles in Niamey, told thenff.com: “It is going to be an interesting game because the Malians are difficult to play. They are strong and run a lot. But Nigeria I see Nigeria throwing everything into the fray and doing everything to curtail the Malians by playing a strong game and showing the passion to reach the final.”