Nigeria’s U20 squad feel strongly that a place at the 2017 Africa U20 Cup of Nations is within grasp as they confront visiting Young Falcons of Sudan at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagoson Saturday.


The Emmanuel Amuneke –tutored side won the first leg in Khartoum 2-1 two weeks ago and are clear favourites to reach the finals coming up in Zambia next year.

Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen scored as the Flying Eagles came from behind to defeat their hosts in Khartoum, and both goleadors are in top shape for Saturday’s clash.

Osimhen is record scorer for the FIFA U17 World Cup, hitting 10 goals in Chile last year as Nigeria roared to a fifth triumph. Chukwueze’s goals also counted and he scooped the bronze boot as the third highest scorer of the tournament.

The Young Falcons have a mountain to climb against a squad that is not used to tasting defeat. Amuneke has come to this level with the bulk of the boys who did Nigeria proud in Chile, and have maintained an unbeaten streak ever since.