AYC Final Qualifier: Flying Eagles Tackle Mauritius

Nigeria’s U-20 male team, the Flying Eagles are set to take on their counterparts from Mauritius in the second and final leg qualifying match of the African Youth Championship, AYC at the Abuja National Stadium on Sunday.

The Coach John Obuh tutored side are going into the encounter with a comfortable 2-0 victory in the first leg played in Mauritius a fortnight ago. Winners of the encounter will qualify for the Libya 2011 AYC.

Monday Odigie, who assisted Obuh, when he was coach of Golden Eaglets, told P.M.Sports that there will be no hiding place for the visitors in the encounter. The former Bayelsa United coach said though Mauritius will be coming for the match with the aim of causing an upset, he believes the Flying Eagles will secure the three points at stake after the match.

Odigie said the team, which parade the bulk of players that won silver medal of the FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted by Nigeria last year, have what it takes to win the qualifier.

He said  the 2-0 lead recorded in the first leg would boost the morale of the players as they head for the clash.

According to the coach, “with the calibre of players that would be on parade on Sunday, I can assure you that Mauritius would not find the match easy. The Flying Eagles parade tested and experienced players that won’t disappoint Nigeria. I know that the players would want to consolidate on the 2-0 lead we had in the first leg.”

—Adebobola Alawode