Nigeria Battles Guinea For African U-17 Nations Cup Final Ticket
They have already qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, but Nigeria, just like Angola and Cameroon still want more from the on-going African U-17 Nations Cup holding in Tanzania.
Nigeria topped Group A of the championship to earn their semifinal ticket, while Guinea, as runner up in Group B, also got the opportunity to fight for a final ticket.
On Wednesday, the two West Africans will meet at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam to determine who gets the nod to final for the trophy later this weekend.
Nigeria have been victorious at the continental tournament on two occasions, in 2001 and 2007, and are the record winners of the FIFA U17 World Cup (five times). They are also taking part in their ninth U17 AFCON. An intimidating pedigree that is bound to send jitters into Guinea’s camp.
However, Guinea also come into the encounter with some recent eye–popping accomplishments. The Junior Syli Nationale are the reason why Cup holders Mali are not in Tanzania, having beaten the Malians at the WAFU A Tournament in September to earn their ticket.
The Guineans also flaunt victories over Senegal (another team highly respected in youth football) and Morocco in the group phase as they set to trade tackles with the Golden Eaglets on Wednesday.
With all four teams in the semifinals (Nigeria, Guinea, Cameroon, Angola) having secured their places at the FIFA U17 World Cup taking place in Brazil later in the year, there would be no pulling punches as all of them focus on being in Sunday’s final in Tanzania’s capital.
Guinea are making their seventh appearance at the Africa U17 Cup of Nations, which began in Mali 24 years ago.
According to thenff.com, Coach Manu Garba is most likely to start with his regular squad, meaning Sunday Stephen in goal, Shedrack Tanko and Ogaga Oduko as wingbacks, Clement Ikenna and David Ishaya at centreback, captain Samson Tijani, Mayowa Abayomi (or Fawaz Abdullahi) and Olatomi Olaniyan in the midfield, and Akinkunmi Ayobami Amoo, Olakunle Olusegun and Wisdom Ubani at the fore.
In the second semi final, kicking off a few hours later at the same venue, Cameroun and Angola will clash in what is expected to be another enthralling encounter.
