Babalola Tomiwa
The Flying Eagles head coach, Manu Garba has assured Nigerians that they are ready for either Ghana or Mali to claim one of the two available spots in the in the final of the African Youth Championship in Senegal.
Nigeria were held to a 2-all draw by Ivory Coast on Saturday evening but finished with 7 points ahead of Congo, Senegal and Cote dIvoire.
Meanwhile, the nation's U-20 will know their foe for the semi final clash on Sunday due to the tie between Ghana and Mali.
The Flying Eagles will clash with the runners-up of Group B on Wednesday in Dakar in the semifinal of the AYC.
Both Ghana and Mali are tied on six points apiece, but the Black Satellites are top of the standings because they have scored more goals than the Malians.
“We are in Senegal to qualify for the World Cup as African champions and if you want to be champions, you have to be prepared to meet any team. So whether Ghana or Mali, we’re ready,” said Flying Eagles coach Manu Garba.
The coach admitted his team struggled to find their bearing in the first half against Cote d’Ivoire because they made four changes to their starting team and they conceded two soft goals.
“We did not start well after we made four changes meaning it was a new experience for some of the players and then we conceded two goals from defensive mistakes,” he said.
“We played to win but we ended up with a draw to keep our national pride intact.”
Nigeria were held to a 2-all draw by Ivory Coast on Saturday evening but finished with 7 points ahead of Congo, Senegal and Cote dIvoire.
Meanwhile, the nation's U-20 will know their foe for the semi final clash on Sunday due to the tie between Ghana and Mali.
The Flying Eagles will clash with the runners-up of Group B on Wednesday in Dakar in the semifinal of the AYC.
Both Ghana and Mali are tied on six points apiece, but the Black Satellites are top of the standings because they have scored more goals than the Malians.
“We are in Senegal to qualify for the World Cup as African champions and if you want to be champions, you have to be prepared to meet any team. So whether Ghana or Mali, we’re ready,” said Flying Eagles coach Manu Garba.
The coach admitted his team struggled to find their bearing in the first half against Cote d’Ivoire because they made four changes to their starting team and they conceded two soft goals.
“We did not start well after we made four changes meaning it was a new experience for some of the players and then we conceded two goals from defensive mistakes,” he said.
“We played to win but we ended up with a draw to keep our national pride intact.”
Flying Eagles coach, Manu Garba talks tough ahead of semi final clash against Ghana or Mali
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