The national U-23 team, the Dream Team will today clash with their Zambian counterparts for a ticket to the football event of the 2015 11th All Africa Games billed for Congo-Brazzaville, later in the year.
Siasia after the match in Abuja
It is, no doubt, a tough call as even the Nigerian players have acknowledged the enormity of the battle ahead.
The first leg in Abuja ended in a goalless draw and so both teams have equal chances to grab the qualification ticket to the tournament.
Under coach Austin Eguavoen, the Dream Team failed to qualify for the last All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique and will therefore hope to avoid a repeat in Zambia.
Foreign-based professionals Paul Onauchi (Denmark) and Umar Aminu (Turkey) will not be available for this match after their respective clubs refused to release them.
Despite the odds, the mood at their Golden Peacock Hotel camp in Lusaka evokes victory.
Coach Samson Siasia had told his countrymen back home that the team was condemned to win the encounter.
Dream Team goalkeeper Abiodun Akande and forward Etebo Oghenekaro sounded resolute on their mission to Zambia.
“We have prepared hard for the game. Nigerians should expect nothing but victory from us in this game. We are fully ready and by God’s grace, we won’t disappoint Nigerians,” Oghenekaro said.
On his part added 3SC shot stopper Akande said,”we know it is going to be a tough battle, tougher than the first leg. We have been preparing hard and definitely ready for the game. Victory is our target and I believe God will crown our efforts with victory.”
Coach Siasia said he expects a hostile reception in Zambia, but his team will weather the storm.
“We hope to defend well and convert the chances we missed in the first game,” said Siasia, who has strengthened his team with players from the victorious Flying Eagles including strikers Taiwo Awoniyi and Bernard Bulbwa.
“We have to be very smart, contain them and catch them on a fast break.”
Zambia U23 coach Fighton Simukonda has the full complement of his invited players and has boasted Nigeria will return back home empty handed.
“Nigeria can’t come here and beat us in Lusaka, we are ready for Nigeria, we can even play them right now,” he said.