Joe Apu
Coach Paul Aigbogun is leaving nothing to chance as the Flying Eagles file out today in their second Gtoup A match at the on-going Total/CAF U20 African Nations Cup against South Africa.
Though, the Flying Eagles lead the group with three points two more than the hosts Niger and South Africa whom they face next, Aigbogun admits that the game against Burundi was a difficult one despite the 2-0 win but that his team will not the South Africans for granted.
“It was not an easy match because Burundi played well and we had a lot of trouble before we won. We have certainly beaten Burundi but recognize that our group is very strong. It is for us now to take the games one after the other without neglecting any team.”
The Flying Eagles who have been tagged as the group favorites lived up to expectation by breaking down a resolute Burundian team who managed to contain them in the first period which ended goalless.
South Africa national U-20 head coach Thabo Senong has stated that they are currently analyzing Nigeria’s Flying Eagles to know their weaknesses ahead of their crucial U-20 Africa Cup of Nations fixture at the Seyni Kouche stadium in Niger Republic.
“We will look at Nigeria and analyze how they play. We still have good players in our squad who are yet to feature in upcoming matches and I believe the team will be ready when we face Nigeria.”
Nigeria has won the Competition seven times since its inception in 1971 and last won the trophy in 2015 beating host Senegal by a lone goal.
Host Mali in the other Group A game of the day will take on Burundi in their second group game.