The Nigerian coach is optimistic that the Flying Eagles will pick the ticket to the next World Cup

By Benprince Ezeh

PAUL Aigbogun, head coach of the Flying Eagles, has promised that his team will take it one match at a time when the whistle goes for kick off at the 21st Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON U20 taking place in Niger Republic on February 2 – 17.

The seven time African champions tango with host nation Niger Republic, South Africa and Burundi in Group A of the competition, with only the two top placed teams to progress to the semi finals and guaranteed automatic berths at this summer’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Poland.

Aigbogun told thenff.com that he planned on earning a ticket to the World Cup finals. “There would definitely be no margin for error in the first two matches. Once we are able to secure maximum points from the first two matches, we would have one leg at the World Cup.

“Afterwards, we would then begin to plan for the trophy. Focus and tactics must be for one match at a time. We cannot afford to falter,” he said

Aliyu Ibrahim Lawal, the team administrator, confirmed to thenff.com on Monday, January 28, that the Flying Eagles delegation will now depart for Niamey, venue of their group phase matches, on Thursday morning, January 31, 2019.

Burundi’s Junior Itamba, Nigeria’s first opponents in Niger Republic, is a toughened bunch having had to wade through three rounds of qualifiers to land in Niger Republic. They trounced Ethiopia 3-0 on aggregate, shot past Sudan 3-1 after both legs and then side tracked Zambia by the same margin.

South Africa, Nigeria’s second opponents, prevailed 4-1 over Mozambique before defeating Malawi 2-0 on aggregate to make sure of a place in Niger.

Hosts Niger Republic qualified automatically but was at the West African Football Union, WAFU U20 Tournament in Lome last month, where they battled to a scoreless draw with the Flying Eagles in a group phase encounter.

The Flying Eagles defeated Guinea Bissau 3-2 on aggregate before victimising Mauritania 6-1 on aggregate to qualify.

All four semi finalists in Niger Republic would represent Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Poland, scheduled for May 23 – June 15.

BE

– Jan. 29, 2019 @ 18:45 GMT |