23 February 2001

P.M. News (Lagos)

Mozambique: Seychelles 2001, Eaglets Go For Goals Against Mozambique

Lagos — The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria must be double-charged tomorrow as they step out for their last group match against Mozambique in the on-going Seychelles 2001 Africa Youth Championship.

Though the odds are stacked against the Mozambiquans who are the whipping team of the group, after recording two losses in the two matches played so far to hold the rear in the group, Coach Musa Abdullahi has come to realise that only a thorough spanking of the Southern Africans can see the Golden Eaglets climb to the top of the table in Group B.

This became all the more evident following the 4-0 spanking of Mozambique by Guinea in the second group match played on Wednesday. The victory thus gave Guinea a slight edge over Nigeria on top of the group's table.

Coach Abdullahi must instruct his boys to surpass the four-goal margin if the Eaglets are to displace Guinea at the top of the table.

The Eaglets are currently in second position behind Guinea with the same four points, but with an inferior goal difference of +3 as against Guinea's +4.

Hence, the attacking line of the Nigerian side made up of Segun Abiodun, Osunwa Collins, Okeke Obinna, Musa Suleiman and Gift Yeregha must step up the pressure against their opponents who have conceded six goals so far in the championship. The Eaglets had earlier drawn 2-2 with Guinea and earned a 4-1 victory over Ethiopia.

In the other group match, Ethiopia, 1-4 losers to Nigeria in the last match are set for a tough duel against Guinea. With elimination staring them in the face, a victory against the Guineans will guarantee Ethiopia's safe passage to the semi finals.

In Group A, Cameroun is locked in an explosive battle for a semi final qualification against group leaders, Burkina Faso who have amassed six points from two matches. However, a convincing victory for Mali in the other group match against hosts, Seychelles may change the final picture of the group.

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