By Albert Akota
Flying Eagles coach Paul Aigbogun has stated that his side must be prepared to beat Mauritania in the second leg of the final qualifying round for the 2019 Total U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Aigbogun watched his side labour to a 1-1 draw with their Mauritanian counterparts in the first leg game played at the Stade Olympique after the hosts cancelled out Abubakar Ibrahim seventh minute opener.
“We went all out for victory, but I must admit the Mauritanians are a good side. We will prepare hard and get the victory we need n Lagos onb Satuday to qualify,” Aigbogun told thenff.com.
The seven –time African champions will host Mauritania in the second l leg at the Agege Stadium, Lagos this Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Football Federation’s Assistant Director (Technical) Abdulrafiu Yusuf remained confident the Flying Eagles will overturn the deficit.
“It was a tough game, but our boys have the ability to turn the table in Nigeria’s favour in the return leg and qualify for the finals,” Yusuf, who travelled with the team, told thenff.com.
The Flying Eagles missed the 2017 U-20 AFCON hosted by Zambia and thus failed to qualify for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup. A victory against Mauritania on Saturday, will guarantee a spot for Nigeria at the 2019 Total U-20 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Niger Republic
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