Youth national team, Flying Eagles coach, Paul Osahon Aigbogun has declared that his players are not under pressure, heading into their semi-final against Mali at the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
Rather than feel any pressure in their desire for victory in Wednesday’s match in Niamey, Niger Republic, Aigbogun says his lads are all relaxed and in high spirits for victory.
Footballlive.ng reports further that the former Warri Wolves of Delta State and Enyimba of Aba handler is staying upbeat that his wards will hold their own against the Malians and carry the day in the epic clash.
Aigbogun says there is not need to be nervous, as the seven-time U20 AFCON champs go out for a ticket into the final, when they lock horns with Mali’s Junior Eagles at Stade General Seyni Kountche.
The Flying Eagles won Group A with seven points, after they beat the host country, Niger Republic on Friday, preceded by a 2-0 win in their first match with Burundi and goalless draw with South Africa in the second.
On the hand, Mali finished second in Group B with six points, following their victories over Burkina Faso and Ghana, and defeat by Senegal.
Both teams earlier met in the semi-finals of the 2018 WAFU U20 Cup in Lome, Togo; a match in which Mali led by a lone goal until the 82nd minute, before defender Valentine Ozornwafor brought Nigeria level, and the Flying Eagles went on to win via penalties.
Aigbogun added that, having met his first target of a FIFA World Cup ticket, his boys will play the remaining matches without any pressure.
The UK-born coach declared: “We set the World Cup ticket as our first target for the championship.
“We have that now, so we are relaxed to go in their and give our best for the second target of winning the trophy, while playing without tension.”
