Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles are set to trade tackles with their counterpart from Guinea in a crucial winner-takes-all clash today, Tuesday, March 28.
The Nigerians head into the second leg of their AFCON U23 qualifying playoff against Guinea U23 with everything to play for following a goalless draw in the first leg played last Wednesday.
The game will take place in Rabat, Morocco, with the winner guaranteed to book a ticket to the 2023 CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Olympic Eagles will be looking to make amends for their lackluster performance in the first leg, where they failed to convert their chances.
Coach Salisu Yusuf will be hoping to draw on the pedigree of the Eagles, who have never missed an edition of the continental championship and won the title in 2015.
Yusuf has had a tough time with his team selection, with some players decamped due to age discrepancies and others unavailable due to club commitments. However, the coach knows that no stone must be left unturned in getting the desired result against the Baby Elephants.
Guinea, on the other hand, will be hoping to build on their impressive defensive display in the first leg, where they frustrated Nigeria’s attack. The West African challengers have never qualified for the CAF U23 AFCON, and they will be looking to make history by securing a place at the tournament.
Head-to-head
Nigeria have the upper hand, having won the 2015 edition of the tournament. However, Guinea will seek to create an upset and secure their first-ever qualification to the CAF U23 AFCON.
Prediction
The game promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams fighting for a place in the tournament. Nigeria will need to be more clinical in front of goal, while Guinea will have to take their chances if they want to cause an upset.
A low-scoring game looks on the cards, with Nigeria just edging it.
Match details
Competition: AFCON U23 qualifying playoff, second leg
Match: Guinea U23 vs. Nigeria U23
Venue: Rabat, Morocco
Date: 28.03.2023
Time: 7:00 pm (Nigerian time)
