22nd July, 2010
Coach of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, John Obuh, has charged his team to play the game of their lives in the African Youth Championship, AYC qualifier against Junior Syli Nationale of Guinea.
The match, which is scheduled for Abuja National Stadium on Saturday is the last but one hurdle for the Nigerian team to qualify for the Libya 2011 AYC. Obuh, who took the Golden Eaglets to win silver medal at the Nigeria 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, said because the encounter is a must-win for Nigeria, his players have to buckle up to ensure that the Guinean team do not come to Nigeria to cause an upset.
“The players know the task on our hands that we must win this match with a clear margin. I’m glad that the bulk of my players are the ones I took to the U-17 World Cup. I know their strength and weaknesses,†said the former Kwara United of Ilorin and Sharks of Port Harcourt coach.
“I have told my boys that they must not be complacent in the match because we need to win it to brighten our chances of playing in the championship scheduled for Libya next year.
“I want to urge Nigerians to come out to give us enough support and with luck on our side, I believe victory will be ours on Saturday,†he said.
The Guinean team are scheduled to arrive today while the match officials from Burkina Faso are also expected in Nigeria today. CAF has announced Mr. Serge IIboudo as the centre referee to be assisted by Adolphe Pare and Lalama Diaby. The fourth official is a Nigerian, Joshua Amao. The Match Commissioner is Ghanaian Laryea Louis.
—Taiwo Adelu