The Olympic Eagles will look to bounce back from their disappointing loss to Cote d’lvoire when they take on Zambia in their second Group B game of the 2019 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday, report
The defending champions lost 1-0 to the Ivorians on Saturday at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo.
Defeat to the Zambians will put paid to the Olympic Eagles’ ambition of securing a place in the semi-final of the competition and a berth at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The Imama Amapakabo’s team has been boosted by the arrival of captain Azubuike Okechukwu and Taiwo Awoniyi in camp ahead of the make or mar encounter.
The duo who played key roles in the team’s qualification for the quadrennial competition, were not released early by their clubs.
They will be expected to play an influential roles against the Zambians, with Okechukwu’s experience a key factor.
Winger Sunday Faleye knows the enormity of the task before the team and is confident they can bounce against Zambia.
“It’s unfortunate that we lost the first game but we are ready to make amends against Zambia on Tuesday,” Faleye told Completesports.com.
“The target is to pick the Olympic ticket and we will keep fighting until the end.”
Zambia drew 0-0 against South Africa in their first game.