The Flying Eagles face a most daunting task when they go for goals in today’s make-or-mar U20 AFCON qualifier against arch-rivals Ghana as they will without their star striker, who has lost confidence since he shone in the buildup to this tournament.
Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi was supposed to lead Nigeria attack in Benin Republic after he fired eight goals in as many test matches in Abuja.
He was considered ahead of Israel-based Peter Olawale, but lost his place to his direct rival for the opening game on Sunday against Cote d’Ivoire, which ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw.
“The boy has simply lost his confidence,” lamented a team official.
The team will also be without highly-rated central defender Christopher Nwaeze after he was sent off on Sunday.
The Flying Eagles are hard pressed to beat perennial rivals Ghana this afternoon after they failed to beat Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday.
A loss to Ghana today will all but eliminate them as Cote d’Ivoire would only need a draw on Saturday against Ghana to qualify for the semifinals.
And even a draw today will not guarantee them a place in the knockout rounds of the qualifying tournament.
