The Samson Siasia-led side had defeated Congo 2-1 in the first leg, thus qualify for the finals in Senegal.
Advertisement
Siasia described the second leg clash with Congo as “difficult” after his men failed to make the reverse fixture count in terms of the margin of goals with which they won in Port Harcourt, Rivers State a fortnight ago.
Speaking after the African U23 Championship qualifier against Congo which ended 0-0 in Pointe-Noire, which saw Nigeria progress to the tournament, an elated Siasia said his players played to instructions, only that they didn’t score a goal as he expected them to.
“We will attack because we want to win in Congo – not avoid defeat”, the 47-year-old former national team striker told reporters.
Before Nigeria’s qualification, Algeria, Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia and Zambia had confirmed their places for the Championship.
“We were lucky to only lose 2-1 in Nigeria”, admits the bespectacled 67-year-old with flowing fair locks.
Zambia must do without defender Boyd Mkandawire, who was red-carded during a goalless first leg in Abidjan, and be wary having held Nigeria away in the All-Africa Games only to fall at home.
Nigeria missed out on the football event of the London Olympics and are now keen to stage a return in Rio. The last slot up for grabs is been contested between Mali and Gabon.
Advertisement
Only a miraculous comeback can save Uganda after a 4-0 drubbing in Egypt, with Kahraba, whose real name is Mahmoud Abdel Moneim, the two-goal destroyer-in-chief.
