Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets are bidding to book a place in the quarterfinal of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a tasty tie against Morocco on Wednesday knowing they would get closer to their target of qualifying for the World Cup with a victory over the North Africans.
Favour Daniel’s strike from a goalmouth melee, 14 minutes from time, handed the five-time world champions all three points against Zambia at the Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui on Sunday evening but Morocco will enter the tie as the leaders of the group after they defeated South Africa’s Amajimbo 2-0.
However, the Eagles can leapfrog their opponents on the table by beating them at the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium, Constantine today and qualify for the round of eight.
President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau during a visit to their camp urged them to go for another three points in the clash
“Let me start by congratulating you on your victory over Zambia on Sunday,” he began “It was a tough game but your quality showed in your ability to pick the three points. However, nothing has been won yet. You must go all out against Morocco to achieve victory and bounce back to the top of the group.
“It is important to assure of your qualification to the knock-out rounds early so that you avoid all kinds of permutations before the last match of the group phase. Nigerians are watching and supporting you in scores of millions and you cannot afford to disappoint our people.”
Meanwhile, Morocco coach, Said Chiba, said the pressure is on the Coach Nduka Ugbade-led team.
He said,” “Winning the first game is important because it prepares you for the next matches. Now, the pressure is on the other teams (Nigeria and Zambia) when you win. It is still a difficult path for us and we can’t take things easy. We need to step up our level.”
