F’Eagles in must-win clash with DR Congo
MARCH 23, 2013
Flying Eagles coach, John Obuh
Defending champions Nigeria on will on Saturday engage DR Congo in their last Group B match of the U-20 Africa Youth Championship in Algeria.
The fixture scheduled to take place in Oran is must-win game for the Flying Eagles to qualify for the semifinals and book their ticket to the FIFA U-20 World Cup holding in Turkey from June 21 to July 13. All four semifinalists at the AYC will go on to represent the continent at Turkey 2013.
Nigeria, who place second in the group with three points, must beat the Congolese to reach the semifinals.
The Flying Eagles pushed themselves into a tight corner after they lost 1-0 in their opening match against Mali on Sunday and struggled to beat Gabon 1-0 in their second game on Wednesday. The result revived their hopes of remaining in the competition they won in South Africa two years ago. However, a draw will see them through if Gabon pick a point draw or lose to Mali.
A win for the Central Africans and a defeat for the Flying Eagles will automatically end Nigeria’s stay in Algeria.
Also, a heavy win for Gabon, who face Mali in the other fixture of the day, could land them in the next stage. Like DR Congo, Gabon have one point and they will have four points each with victories.
Mali defeated the Congolese 2-1 on Wednesday to reach the semifinals with six points, having beating Nigeria earlier.
Flying Eagles coach John Obuh, who lamented his team’s slow start to the tournament, promised victory over DR Congo.
Obuh said,, “We have started this tournament rather slowing, but it’s better to start slowly and then go fast than to just crash out.
“As long as we are alive in this competition, we have a great chance of retaining our title.”
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