Nigeria’s U-23 team have their back against the wall when they face South in their final Group B game at the 2019 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations‚ needing just a win to advance to the semi-finals and stay on course for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
The tie sparks up an old rivalry that has seen both sides clash at all age-group levels‚ with the Nigerians coming out tops in most of the confrontations.
Imama Amapakabo’s charges are brimming with confidence after their resounding 3-1 win over Zambia in their second Group B game.
They had earlier lost 1-0 to Ivory Coast in their opening game last Saturday.
Should the U-23 Eagles draw the game, they will have to rely on Zambia beating Ivory Coast by a lone goal and then on goal-difference‚ to book a semi-final spot.
A loss to South Africa and Ivory Coast getting at least a point off Zambia will end Nigeria’s hopes of defending their title and reaching the 2020 Tokyo Olympic.
The top two teams in each group will advance to the semi-finals‚ while the finalists and bronze-medal winners will book their places at the Olympic Games next year.
