By Amosu Adeboye, LAGOS
Nigeria’s U23 coach Imama Amakpakabo is thrilled to see his lads overturn a 2-0 first leg defeat suffered away to Libya in Bengerdan, Tunisia last Wednesday in an outstanding way in the second leg clash played on Monday.
Amakpakabo who admitted his side knew practically nothing about the Libyan team ahead of their first leg- a reason for their defeat, trounced Libya 4-0 in the second leg on Monday to advance 4-2 on aggregate to the final round of the U23 Africa Cup Of Nations qualifying series.
Victor Osimhen was the standout player for Nigeria’s U23 team as he scored a hat-trick and set up the fourth goal for David Okereke as the Nigerian team kept their hopes of defending their U23 AFCON title which they won in 2016.
“We knew nothing about the Libyans in the first leg and paid for it, “Amakpakabo said during his post-match interview in Asaba.
“The players came out stronger in this game especially in the second half against a defensive team and I am proud at how they got the job done.”
“We will maintain the same spirit ahead of the next qualifiers.”
Nigeria’s U23 Eagles will face the winner of the tie between Sudan and Kenya in the final round.
