Nigeria’s clash with Libya in the first leg of their Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifier will begin at 3pm on Wednesday, Confederation of African Football (CAF) have confirmed.
Footballlive.ng gathered that Nigeria’s under-23 national team, Olympic Eagles coach, Imamam Amapakabo has already outlined strategies and tactics he believes will help his side to victory.
The game is billed to hold in Tunisia, as Libya are still not allowed to play home matches in their country, but Amapakabo downplayed the import of playing on neutral ground.
The former Rangers International of Enugu and El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri coach, who was a goalkeeper during his playing days, added that his star studded squad will play as a team to eke out victory.
Amapakabo is staying upbeat, as Nigeria begin the race towards a successful defence of their Africa U23 title on Wednesday, when they take on Libya in a first round, first leg encounter of the qualifiers.
Wednesday’s encounter, which kicks off at 3pm (Nigeria time), will hold on the artificial turf of Ben Guerdane Stadium, Tunisia, with the Rio 2016 bronze medalists out to get a good result ahead of the return leg, which is already scheduled to hold in Asaba on Monday.
Amapakabo traveled with 11 home-based players and 12 from overseas, among whom are former FIFA U17 World Cup winners (2013 and 2015) in Taiwo Awoniyi, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Nwakali, Chidera Ezeh, Kingsley Michael and Orji Okonkwo.
The home-based players include Ebube Duru of Lobi Stars, Enyimba of Aba’s Dare Olatunji and Stephen Egbe, as well as Wikki Tourist of Bauchi goalkeeper, Adamu Abubakar.
Victory for Amapakabo’s side on Wednesday would pave the way for them into the final round of qualifiers, which is due to take place in June.
