The Al Salam Stadium – the same venue where the Super Eagles beat Tunisia to win bronze at the 2019 AFCON – will host the 2019 U- 23 African Cup of Nations opening Group B tie between champions Nigeria and Ivory Coast , as the quest for the 2020 Olympic ticket begins

The Nigerian U- 23 team are without captain Azubuike Okechukwu and striker Taiwo Awoniyi, as they look to defend the title they won in 2015 in Senegal , after both players were held back by their European clubs .

Head coach, Imama Amapakabo , will be hoping to have the two players available for the second game of the tournament when they face Zambia on Tuesday . But they must first get a decent result against the Ivorians to stand a chance of advancing to the next round .

According to a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation, midfielder Kelechi Nwakali will assume the armband in Okechukwu ’ s absence .

Despite missing the services of Okechukwu and Awoniyi , Amakapabo is not throwing in the towel .
“We have players in camp who are ready to give their all and do Nigeria proud any day , any time . We are quietly confident and will take it one match at a time .

“ We are quite aware that as defending champions, so much is expected of us . This team will throw everything into the battle and ensure it does not disappoint Nigerians, ” Amapakabo said .

Stand - in captain Nwakali said , “ We know the importance of a positive start and we are just focused on getting our first three points against them (Ivory Coast ) because that will put us in a very good position to reach the semifinals . It won ’ t be an easy one but we are very much prepared for the challenge ahead . ”

In preparation for the tournament , the Nigeria U - 23 contingent spent six days in Ismailia and played a 1 - 1 draw in their last game against Cameroon .

The Nigerian side will need to keep watch on Ivorian striker Christian Kouamé who scored twice in the qualifiers.

The 21- year - old has been in a brilliant form for Genoa, having scored five goals with three assists in Serie A this season and will be the key player for the Ivoirians.

Nwakali will be the man to lead the attack for Nigeria .

Nigeria scored nine goals and conceded three , while the Ivoirians had 10 goals , letting in three .

https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/under-23-afcon-nigeria-clash-with-ivory-coast/amp/

Lalasticlala

Interesting

Nwakali and awoniyi that received the best player and the golden boot awards during their time at the u_17 are still struggling. While unknown chukwueze that time is dominating laliga, played in afcon and even got nominated in junior balon d'or award. Inside life.

oops my bad, just remembered it was iheanacho that won the golden boot during awoniyi's set

Which station is showing it live?

I wish them all the best

The guy above tho

tooth4tooth:
Which station is showing it live?

Filling station

I Hope the team is not full of herdmen and afonja that just disgraced us in un17

Adunbi3:


Filling station

this one is very High on aporo epa ijebu

Kenneth4u205:
I Hope the team is not full of herdmen and afonja that just disgraced us in un17

grow up

Adunbi3:


Filling station

Good one

I think it is 2pm Nigeria time. Not 4pm because of time difference between Nigeria and Egypt.

godwon01:
I think it is 2pm Nigeria time. Not 4pm because of time difference between Nigeria and Egypt.

See for yourself

Good luck guys ! I hope Nwakali is in top form. He is a very good player.

gaetano:
Nwakali and awoniyi that received the best player and the golden boot awards during their time at the u_17 are still struggling. While unknown chukwueze that time is dominating laliga, played in afcon and even got nominated in junior balon d'or award. Inside life.

Did you say Chukwueze was unknown?
Guy, that Chukwueze was hot with his left foot at that tournament.
Nwakali was also good, he probably got the award because of his captaincy role(my opinion)

gaetano:
Nwakali and awoniyi that received the best player and the golden boot awards during their time at the u_17 are still struggling. While unknown chukwueze that time is dominating laliga, played in afcon and even got nominated in junior balon d'or award. Inside life.

Players dont develop at same pace

Adunbi3:


Filling station

Police station

Awoniyi never won Golden Boot abeg. And Chukwueze was not unknown in 2015. He won the bronze boot award with 3 goals and 3 assists. Stop saying things out of ignorance.

gaetano:
Nwakali and awoniyi that received the best player and the golden boot awards during their time at the u_17 are still struggling. While unknown chukwueze that time is dominating laliga, played in afcon and even got nominated in junior balon d'or award. Inside life.

It is 4pm oga.

godwon01:
I think it is 2pm Nigeria time. Not 4pm because of time difference between Nigeria and Egypt.

Samueltemi337:
See for yourself

Sorry , where I read it this morning It was stated 2pm and I had prepared to watch it at 2pm. Thanks for the update. Nigeria sport bloggers always cause confusion. Anyway , no need to use abusive language. Let us show some respect for each other.

godwon01:
Sorry , where I read it this morning It was stated 2pm and I had prepared to watch it at 2pm. Thanks for the update. Nigeria sport bloggers always cause confusion. Anyway , no need to use abusive language. Let us show some respect for each other.

Who used abusive language?

Samueltemi337:
Who used abusive language?

Sorry . Have a good and splendid weekend.

Adunbi3:


Filling station

no it now CNN

We will definitely defeat ivory coast if the guys put in their best...

I'm not sure that I can trust Amama Amakpakabo to do a job with the talents in his team.
He lost all away matches with this team, failed to qualify for CHAN, failed in Wafu tournament woefully.
Lets hope redeems himself.

Petrol station