The Zambian Junior Chipolopolo were defeated by the Nigerian manager's team in the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, 4 to 2.
The Head coach of the Flying Eagles, Isah Ladan Bosso, has said that no opponent would be underestimated by the Nigerian side during the Africa Cup of Nations competition.
The former Gombe United coach asserts that his team would enter the competition in the same spirit as they did for the WAFU B U20 Championship, where they were successful in scoring a lot of goals.
On Sunday, February 19, at 8 p.m. Nigerian time, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria will take the field at the Cairo International Stadium for their first test against the Cub Lions of Senegal, followed by matches against Egypt and Mozambique.
The Junior Chipolopolo of Zambia was a foe that the Bosso's boys played in practice for this event, and they crushed them 4-2 there at the Moshood Abiola stadium.
Prior to upsetting Chisi Mbewe's team, the Flying Eagles won the WAFU B U-20 Championship final in Niamey, the capital of the Niger Republic, by defeating the Young Squirrels of Benin Republic 3-1. They were crowned champions of the West Africa B Zone.
In a statement issued by the Nigerian football federation, NFF, Bosso expressed his joy for these triumphs and assured that his squad will continue to play with a winning attitude.
“We have been able to sustain the same mood we had in camp before going for the WAFU B U20 Championship in Niamey, which we won. Since then, we have played a series of matches and scored plenty of goals, and that is immense for a winning mentality to stay within a team.” he said.
The tournament host and four-time winner Egypt will go up against the Nigeria under-20 squad, along with Senegal, the three-time runner-up, and another debutant, Mozambique. But Ladan Bosso has made it clear that he won't underestimate any of these rivals.
“However, we are not going to under-rate any of our opponents. Defeating Zambia in Abuja was good for confidence, but we know the championship mood would be tougher. We will be ready to do the country proud.” he added.
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria will play against Senegal on February 19, Egypt on February 22, and Mozambique on February 25, 2023.
