The Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has commended the country’s U-20 national men’s team, the Flying Eagles for reaching the finals of this year’s WAFU B Championship in Niamey.
The seven-time African champions booked their place in the finals after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Cote d’Ivoire in the second semi-final match played on Tuesday.
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With the semi-final victory, the Ladan Bosso tutored lads have qualified for the 2023 junior AFCON in Egypt.
However, Dare charged the players not to rest on their oars till they bring home the coveted trophy.
“Your hard-earned victory over Cote D’ivoire in the semi-final and your performances in the games against Ghana and Burkina Faso have shown what is possible when a team plays with focus, determination and discipline.
“We are so proud of you all. We are also happy with the results so far. Nigerians are solidly behind you. However, this is not the time to rest on your oars. The journey ahead of you is a long one.
“Go all out on Saturday, win the WAFU U20 trophy and then we will begin to prepare adequately for the U20 AFCON next year to be among the four African nations that will represent the continent at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.”
The Flying Eagles had earlier beaten the defending champions Ghana 2-0 and drawn 2-2 with Burkina Faso.
They will face the Benin Republic in Saturday’s final in Niamey.
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