The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari, has expressed disappointment with the failure of the Flying Eagles to reach the 2013 African Youth Championship final and has demanded they step up for their performance for Friday’s third-place match against Mali.
On Tuesday, the Nigeria U20s lost 0-2 to Egypt in the semi-finals of the 2013 AYC in Algeria.
On Friday evening in Oran, the Flying Eagles take on Mali, who lost on penalties to Ghana in their own semi-final and who beat Nigeria 1-0 in an opening Group B match.
A very critical Maigari said the six-time African champions did not justify the support and confidence of millions of Nigerians as well as the federation and therefore urged them to step up their act beginning with the third-place match against Mali.
“We have given everything you needed so that you could successfully retain your championship, but you could not,” said Maigari when he addressed the team at the Eden Airport Hotel in Oran, Algeria.
“We all expected a lot more from you, but you did not meet our target.
“All the same, you still have a game against Mali to determine who finishes third in the tournament. This will also determine which group you are drawn into in the World Cup in Turkey.
“And so I urge you to bounce back with victory on Friday, and after which we will go back and begin preparations for the World Cup.”
The NFF have also tasked the coaches, led by John Obuh, to fortify the team with new call-ups ahead of Turkey 2013.
Meanwhile, Denmark-based winger, Edafe Egbedi, will face a late fitness test ahead of Friday’s AYC third-place match against Mali in Oran.
Egbedi picked up a thigh injury in a final Group B match against DR Congo and so was ruled out of the semi-final against Egypt.
“The pain has subsided and we will now see what he does in training today (Thursday evening) and then take it from there,” said team doctor, Ozi Salami.
The Flying Eagles rested on Wednesday after the 0-2 loss to Egypt.
They will train on Thursday for Friday’s match against Mali, which kicks off 5.30pm.
Meanwhile, the local organisers have announced that the draw involving the African representatives to the World Cup in Turkey will be staged immediately after Saturday’s final between Ghana and Egypt, also in Oran.
Trending
- Breaking: Senator Ayogu Eze is dead
- Ondo 2024: PDP begins delegates accreditation ahead of primary
- Lagos workers now earn additional N35,000 wage allowance since January – Sanwo-Olu
- Akpabio’s recipe for justice reforms in Nigeria, by Ola Awoniyi
- FAAN diverts flight operations as fire breaks out at Lagos Airport
- FAAN initiates investigation of fire at Lagos airport
- Powerline break out electrocute Mother, son, one other in Ogun
- WHO laments use of alcohol and e-cigarettes among youth