U20 AFCON: President Muhammadu Buhari Charges Flying Eagles to Return Home With Title

• Nigeria will take on Gambia in a semi-final clash at the ongoing CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations
• President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the team to return home with the ultimate prize
• Nigeria already secured a FIFA U20 World Cup ticket for reached this stage of the cup in Egypt

President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has urged the Flying Eagles to do everything possible to win the title at the ongoing CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Manu Garba’s boys will face off with Gambia on Monday in one of the semi-final clashes, having already secured a FIFA U20 World Cup ticket.

In a message relayed by Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, who landed in Cairo ahead of the semi-final fixture, the president had charged the team to win the ultimate prize.

He said via Punch:

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“Mr President and indeed the whole of Nigeria is proud of what you have already achieved. That is the major reason I have been directed by Mr President to come here to see you. The target is to win a World Cup ticket and you have done that."

Dare then urged the team to repeat the success at the WAFU B competition.

“You can smell the trophy now, so take it step-by-step and become African champions again.”

Nigeria secures World Cup ticket

Meanwhile, Nigeria was sent into jubilation after the Flying Eagles defeated Uganda 1-0 in the quarter-final of the 2023 Under 20 AFCON on March 2.

Going into the encounter, the two teams were aware of the importance of a win, but it was the west Africans who advanced through a lucky victory.

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Before the tournament, Ladan Bosso and his wards were mandated to pick up a World Cup ticket and this has been delivered for the country's FA.

Ogwuche delighted with AFCON success

Sports Brief also reported on Flying Eagles defender, Abel Ogwuche expressing joy after Nigeria defeated Uganda in the quarter-finals of the 2023 U20 AFCON.

In a report by Complete Sports, the young star said he was thrilled at news of the country's qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup as a result of the win.

Ogwuche revealed it was the team's dream to earn the World Cup ticket for Nigeria and they were also determined to claim the AFCON trophy in Egypt.