After seeing their opening match of the 2018 West African Football Union (WAFU) U-20 Cup of Nations called off because of Benin Republic’s failure to turn up on Saturday, Paul Aigbogun’s Flying Eagles will now start against Niger Republic on Sunday.
Footballlive.ng can report that Aigbogun’s wards will seek to start with three points when they square up with the Junior Mena, who on Friday shocked Ghana 1-0 in the opening match of Group B.
That result sent a warning to Aigbogun and the seven-time African champions, Nigeria, who will now have to dig deep, after the withdrawal of Benin Republic depleted Group B.
In Thursday’s opening matches, hosts Togo lost 0-1 to Mali and Senegal defeated Burkina Faso 2-0, both in Group A.
After playing Niger Republic on Sunday, the Flying Eagles will have to wait until Wednesday for their next match, which is a potentially –explosive encounter against arch rivals, Ghana.
Aigbogun said on Saturday that the clash with Niger Republic at Stade Municipal is crucial for his side and promised that it will be approached with all the seriousness it deserves.
The former Warri Wolves and Enyimba of Aba coach said: “The Flying Eagles are seven –time champions of Africa; it is a pedigree that we intend to sustain.
“The fact that Niger Republic defeated Ghana is a message for us. No team can be under-rated these days. We will take the game as a battle and ensure we come out victorious.”
