U23 AFCON: Olympic Eagles Held To Goalless Draw In Pre-Tournament Friendly

Nigeria’s U23 national team, the Olympic Eagles played out a goalless draw in a tune-up game at their Mecure Hotel base in Ismailia, Egypt on Tuesday evening ahead of their U23 AFCON opener against Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday.

The team who were visited by Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr on Sunday used the run out to boost fitness levels and build playing chemistry between the players.

According to thenff.com, defenders Olisah Ndah and Anthony Izuchukwu showed huge promise as a defensive pairing while Bright Enobakahre and Orji Okonkwo showed flashes of brilliance upfront.

Head coach Imama Amapakabo also handed playing time to Bitok Stephen who replaced Sincere Seth, Aliyu Ya’u Umar who came in for Sunusi Ibrahim, and Valentine Ozornwafor who took the place of Olisah Ndah.

Nigeria open their campaign at the tournament which also doubles as qualifiers for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo against Cote d’Ivoire’s U23 squad at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo on Saturday.

The Olympic Eagles will also face Zambia on Tuesday, 12 November before rounding off the group stage against South Africa on Friday, 15 November at the same venue.