All is set for Saturday’s Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria and Tanzania, the match is billed for the Lekan Salami Stadium Ibadan, Oyo State.
The first leg in Dar es Salam ended 1-1. The winner in the second tie will qualify for the next round to play the winner of the tie between Uganda and Guinea, a match which will be the final hurdle to the AFCON tournament billed for Morocco next year. The three top finishers at the U-23 AFCON will qualify to represent Africa in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The Tanzania team are already in Ibadan training ahead of the match, with the hope of causing an upset, but according to the Olympic Eagles coach Salisu Yusuf, his wards have worked hard in preparations and are set to get the job done.
“We went to Tanzania to win but it was just not possible,” coach Yusuf stated.
“The boys really worked hard and I must commend them for their efforts. However, we have been working hard on our weak points and believe we will get the job done on Saturday.
“The entire team is happy with the hospitality from the Oyo State Government. We are happy to be able to focus entirely on the match without any distractions.”
He said Nigeria’s ultimate aim is to qualify for the Olympics, adding that with the support of all Nigerians the task can be accomplished.
Nigeria did not qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. In the Rio 2016 Games, the Olympic Eagles won Nigeria’s only medal, a bronze.
