Nigeria’s U23 boys have intensified final
preparations for this month’s 3rd Africa U23 Cup of Nations finals
in Egypt with high expectations of picking the three points against their Ivorian
counterparts in Saturday’s opening game of Group B.
Head Coach Imama Amapakabo is delighted with
the output of his wards at training sessions, which have been holding at the
training pitch of the Mercure Hotel in the city of Ismailia since the team
arrived on Thursday evening.
“The players have been working very hard and
that is a positive point. They are looking forward to the tournament with a lot
of enthusiasm and confidence.
“We are also happy to have most of the
Europe-based squad members with us already. That allows time for good planning,
bonding and team building.”
Midfield ace Kelechi Nwakali was the first
overseas-based player in the team camp (he joined before the team left
Nigeria), and he has since been joined by the likes of Tom Dele-Bashiru, Sincere
Seth, Muyiwa Olabiran, Orji Okwonkwo, Valentine Ozornwafor, Anthony Izuchukwu,
Bright Enobakhare, Sunday Faleye and Aliyu Yau Adam.
Reigning champions Nigeria head Group B and
will confront Cote d’Ivoire’s U23 squad at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo on
Saturday afternoon, before further matches against Zambia (Tuesday, 12th
November) and South Africa (Friday, 15th November) at the same
venue.
The Olympic Eagles are expected to depart
Ismailia to their Novotel Hotel base in Cairo on Thursday.
Team captain Azubuike Okechukwu, defenders
Bitok Stephen and Josiah Chukwudi and forward Taiwo Awoniyi are the only
players still expected in the team camp, and will arrive before the departure
to Cairo.
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