Ahead of Saturday’s crucial Golden Eaglets Cote d’Ivoire showdown in Ouagadougou, head coach Eboboritse Uwejamomere insists his side is in great spirits to bounce back from their opening defeat against Niger Republic and secure a spot in the next round.
Speaking at a press conference at Stade du 4 Août in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on Friday, Eboboritse urged his players to remain calm, recalling that Nigeria lost their opening matches at the 2018 and 2021 editions of the WAFU-B U17 Championship but bounced back to qualify.
“We had a setback in the game against Niger Republic, but we are in great spirits to overcome it as we play Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday,” Eboboritse said.
“It is a dicey situation. We are calm and reminding the players of how we want to play. We have analysed Côte d’Ivoire, how they play, their strengths and weaknesses.
“There is just a little bit of pressure because it is a must-win game for Nigeria. So, we have to keep the players composed and believing in themselves, knowing that we can get the result we need. The Ivorians are a very good side. They can fight, but we also have to fight and show them how much we want the victory. We know what we have to do to beat them. I’m confident,” he concluded.
Nigeria lost 1-2 to Niger Republic on Wednesday, which has rendered the Golden Eaglets Cote d’Ivoire clash a must-win, as the Ivorians drew their own game against the Nigeriens and have one point coming into tomorrow’s encounter.
