By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
Determined to get an outright victory that will qualify Nigeria for the next round of the 2023 U-23 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), Olympics Eagles’ Head Coach Salisu Yusuf is set to tweak the team that will face Tanzania U-23 side in the return leg tie at Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan on Saturday.
The match will serve as qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games football event.
After the first leg match against Tanzania ended in 1-1 draw in Dar-es-Salaam last weekend, Nigeria is condemned to win the second leg to qualify for the final round that secure the country a place in the 2023 U-23 AFCON.
But Coach Yusuf is primed to tinker with the team he presented in Tanzania if he hopes to surprise his opponents with the inclusion of a few players who could not make the trip to Dar-es-Salaam due to late arrival to camp and illness.
Amongst the new faces the gaffer may introduce at a point in the game on Saturday are forward, Timothy Akinola of Arsenal FC but on loan at Chesterfield FC, England; left-winger Charles Akanbi who plays for Nottingham Trent FC, England; Hezekiah Okiripo of Dundalk FC, Ireland and Saminu Abdullahi of Velos FC, Russia.
These players are reported to have been excellent in training in Ibadan since the team returned from Tanzania last Monday and as preparations intensified, the coaches are favourably disposed to give the youngsters opportunity to show their talents.
Prompt News Online can however confirm that Yusuf will rely on the bulk of the team that drew 1-1 in Tanzania especially the starters led by skipper Success Makanjuola, who incidentally scored a goal from the spot in the first leg match.
OLYMPIC EAGLES TO TANZANIA:
*Goalkeepers:* Nathaniel Nwosu; John Amah
Defenders: Daniel Bamayi; Christopher Nwenze; Isaiah Ejeh; Dominion Ohaka; Evan Ogbonda; Michael Inainfe
*Midfielders:* Olashile Akinniran; Ibrahim Auwalu; Qudus Akanni; Oluwatimilehin Ogunniyi; Oluwapelumi Adeyemo
*Forwards*: Daniel Wotlai; Edidiong Ezekiel; Munir Idris; Success Makanjuola; Promise David.
