By Victor Kanayo
The delegation of U23 Men National Team of Tanzania, who will play Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles in a crucial U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier are already in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria.
Both teams will clash on Saturday October 29, 2022 inside the Lekan Salami Stadium turf.
They played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam on Saturday last week, and goals are needed to separate them and determine which side goes ahead to face the winner of the fixture between Uganda and Guinea in the ultimate round before the continental finals slated for Morocco in 13 months’ time.
Also, Match officials from Togo have arrived, as all arrangements have been concluded, a top official of government told Heritage Times HT.
A goal in each half, from the spot and in opposite directions, was the account of the first leg.
However, Nigeria’s Coach Salisu Yusuf, has insisted that his boys are primed for a decisive victory when the whistle goes for kick-off at 4pm (Nigerian time).
“We went to Tanzania to win but it was just not possible. The boys really worked hard and I must commend them for their effots. However, we have been working hard on our weak points and believe we will get the job done on Saturday.
“The entire team is happy with the hospitality from the Oyo State Government. We are happy to be able to focus entirely on the match without any distractions,” he said.
The Confederation of African Football has named Togolese official Aklesso Gnama as match referee, with his compatriots Komlan Domenyo Adiwotso, Jonathan Koffi Ahonto and Komlanvi Aklassou in the roles of assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and reserve referee respectively.
Mr. Alim Konate Aboubakar from Cameroon will serve as match commissioner, with Bechir Hassani from Tunisia in the role of referee assessor.
