Flying Eagles of Nigeria & Curb Lions of Senegal Locked in Part 2 of U-20 Afcon Preps on Monday

February, 5 2023.

The nation's Under-20 men's football team, the Flying Eagles, will on Monday evening, take on their counterparts from Zambia, the Junior Chippolopolo as both sides put the gloss, on their preparations for a successful Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations, to be hosted by Egypt.

Nigeria on Friday edged the Zambian side, in a six goal thriller. 4-2 it ended at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, in Abuja.

Speaking after the encounter, Head Coach of the Flying Eagles, Ladan Bosso praised the Southern Africans for being tactically and technically very sound; while playing as a well organised unit.

Bosso however gave his own players high marks, for their physicality, and ability to play at a very good pace, thereby making it impossible for the Zambian players to cope for the 90 minutes duration of the game.

Bosso admitted to keeping a few key players on the bench, while observing what the opponents had to offer in the first half; before introducing them towards the end of the game, when it was still 2-2, and that was how Nigeria was able to overpower the

Zambian defence, and got 2 late goals that won for them, the game.

"Our boys are fitter and that was what gave us an edge over them. It was a good match and had the kind of intensity we wanted, to help us prepare for the International competition", Bosso said.

For Head Coach of the Zambian Under-20 side, Chisi Mbewe, his lads played very well against a very strong opposition, with a lot of experience at this level.

"We lost the game but it was part of the preparations. In fact we gifted Nigeria the last two goals, but the game gave us the picture of what to expect in Egypt."

The Junior Chippolopolo will depart Abuja for Dakar, to face the Curb Teranga Lions of Senegal in their final warm-up game, and before their depature to Egypt for the tournament.

Nigeria's Flying Eagles are record seven time champions, and according to information from the NFF Glass House, the squad and officials will depart for Egypt on Wednesday, February 8, 2023.