U-23 AFCON Qualifier: Imama Targets Away Win Vs Libya

U-23 Eagles head coach Imama Amapakabo says his team will go all out for a win in Wednesday’s Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Libya, reports Completesports.com.

The defending champions will face the North Africans in the first leg fixture at the Bengerdan Stadium, Tunisia.

Libya are still unable to play international matches at home due to the after-effects of the ArabSpring political turmoil that began in 2011.

Imama has picked 12 home-based players and 11 professionals for the game.

Lobi Stars trio of Udochukwu Anumudu, Ebube Duru and John Lazarus top the list of domestic players which also include MFM’S defender, Joshua Akapde and Stephen Manyo of Enyimba.

Turkey-based Azubuike Okechukwu, Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze , Taiwo Awoniyi who plays for Royal Excel Mouscron of Belgium, Club Brugge winger Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis and Spezia forward David Okereke are some of the overseas-based players in the list.

“It is the first game for us in the qualifiers and we are determined to come out with a win,” Imama told reporters on the eve of the team’s departure for Tunisia on Monday.

“The most important thing is the first leg game on Wednesday, we want to win and make the second leg at home next week a mere formality.

“We are the defending champions and want to qualify for the main competition and also make it to the Olympics.”

The reverse fixture will come up at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Tuesday March 26.

Nigeria won the last edition of the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations held only for the second time in Senegal four years ago following a 2-1 win over Algeria at the Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor in Dakar.

Africa’s flag-bearers in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament of Tokyo 2020 will emerge during the 3rd U-23 Africa Cup of Nations to hold in Egypt in November this year.

By Adeboye Amosu

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